Dr M Vahdati
Applications accepted all year round
Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
Applications are invited for a research studentship in the field of aero-elasticity, leading to the award of a PhD degree.
The topic of this research is Buffet of Low Pressure System Outlet Guide Vanes (OGV). At high power, the fan of a large modern gas turbines delivers flow rates in excess of 1 tonne per second. Behind the fan is row of outlet guide vanes whose main purpose is to straighten the flow to maximise efficiency. The design is extremely complicated because, in addition to turning the flow, the vanes also need to both guide the flow around any downstream obstructions and to limit the forced-vibration of the fan, whilst minimising the resultant performance loss of the vanes. Buffet is a phenomenon which occurs at high flow rates and incidence and can lead to unsteady flow separation on the OGV. The unsteady flow produces time-variant aerodynamic loads on the OGV structure and can lead to significant levels of vibration and, ultimately, to high cycle fatigue. The aim of this project is to devise validated numerical models which can be used to represent this phenomena. A range of models will be investigated, ranging from detailed computational fluid dynamics (CFD), to simple design methods and criteria. Validation of these approaches will be performed against available engine test data at a range of operating conditions.
You will be an enthusiastic and self-motivated person who meets the academic requirements for enrolment for the PhD degree at Imperial College London. You will have a background in Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computational Engineering or a related field. You have an enquiring and rigorous approach to research, together with a strong intellect and disciplined work habits. You must have a strong interest and proven track record in numerical methods and software code development in computational mechanics and dynamics. Good team-working and communication skills are essential.
To find out more about research at Imperial College London in this area, go to:
http://www.imperial.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering
Interested applicants should send an up-to-date curriculum vitae to Dr Vahdati.
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Funding Notes
The post is supported by a bursary and fees (at the UK/EU student rate) provided by an iCase award, which is co-funded by EPSRC and Rolls-Royce plc. You must be an UK or EU candidate meeting the Research Council criterion of having been resident in the UK for the previous 3 years. Please check your suitability at the following web site:
https://www.epsrc.ac.uk/skills/students/help/eligibility/
Suitable eligible candidates will be required to complete an electronic application form at Imperial College London in order for their qualifications to be addressed by College Registry.
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