Transition modelling for improved correlation between wind tunnel tests and CFD

Supervisory Team: Dr. David Angland & Dr Zhiwei Hu

Project description:

A PhD studentship is now available in transition modelling and predicting for bluff body flows. The PhD studentship provides a unique opportunity to work on a relevant engineering problem at the Airbus Noise Technology Centre (ANTC), part of the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of Southampton.

In most industrial aerodynamic applications (aerospace, motorsport, renewables etc.), most wind tunnel experiments are performed at Reynolds numbers that are significantly lower than the full-scale Reynolds number. This leads to correlation issues between conventional CFD (which typically assumes fully turbulent boundary layers) and the corresponding wind tunnel tests. One solution is to fix transition on the wind tunnel model. Typically, this is done using wires, grit strips or zig-zag tape for example. While this is relatively easy for simple canonical shapes, it is non-trivial for complicated, more realistic industrial geometries.

This PhD project investigates transition models in CFD to achieve a better agreement between simulations and scale model wind tunnel experiments. While there is information on the performance of transition models for attached flows around airfoils in the literature, relatively little information is available on the performance of such transition models for bluff body flows, e.g. wheels or cylinders. The outcome of this project will improve understanding of transition modelling and correlation between CFD and scale wind tunnel experiments on realistic industrial geometries. 

This PhD studentship will provide a good opportunity to work closely with one of the largest aerospace companies in the world and explore relevant problems in the aerospace industry. It will suit a student with strong mathematical and computational skills. While the focus is primarily on computational methods, there is also an opportunity to perform wind tunnel experiments for correlation data using the extensive wind tunnel facilities at the University of Southampton.

The ANTC (http://www.southampton.ac.uk/antc/) was opened in November 2008 at the University of Southampton. It is the result of the long standing collaboration between Airbus and the University on a range of research and development projects. The centre brings together academic staff, research fellows and PhD students using state-of-the-art computer simulations and wind tunnel testing to solve industrially relevant problems.

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date: 31 December 2024. Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

Funding: We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students, including Bursaries and Scholarships. For more information please visit PhD Scholarships | Doctoral College | University of Southampton Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

How To Apply

Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk) Select programme type (Research), 2025/26, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD Engineering & Environment (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Zhiwei Hu

Applications should include:

Research Proposal

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk