Structural optimisation of highly flexible aircraft at Aberdeen University on FindAPhD.com

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Dr P Dunning, Prof Alireza Maheri No more applications being accepted Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

About the Project

The aim of this project is to create an efficient optimisation method that can improve the structural design and performance of highly flexible aircraft. An aircraft is considered highly flexible if large wing deflections significantly affect its flight dynamics and aeroelastic behaviour. For example High-Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs) are naturally highly flexible, as they require aerodynamically efficient long slender wings and a light flexible structure to achieve long flight times at high altitude. The capabilities of HALE aircraft make them a cheaper alternative to earth orbiting satellites in several application areas, such as environmental monitoring and communication relays.

The structural optimisation of highly flexible aircraft requires a nonlinear time-domain analysis for accuracy and a high-fidelity structural model to enable detailed design. However, nonlinear time-domain analysis with a high-fidelity model is computationally expensive and is currently a barrier to efficient optimisation. Thus, the main goal of this project is to create a method that can overcome this barrier and enable efficient structural optimisation of highly flexible aircraft.

The method developed in this project will have applications beyond the design of HALE aircraft. For example, future commercial transport aircraft may become highly flexible, as designers seek to improve efficiency by using aerodynamically efficient long slender wings, with a light-weight structure. Also, the current trend for larger offshore wind turbine designs, motivated by the associated reduction in wind energy cost, leads to long slender, light-weight blades that can be considered highly flexible.

The successful candidate should have, or expect to obtain, a UK Honours degree at 2.1 or above (or equivalent) in Mechanical / Aeronautical Engineering (or similar) or Maths.

The candidate must have good knowledge of: structural mechanics, numerical modelling, finite element analysis and computer programming.

In addition, the candidate will Ideally have good knowledge of: optimisation, aerodynamics, aeroelasticity and flight dynamics.

The start date of the project is to be agreed with the supervisors.

Funding Notes

Tuition Fees will be paid at UK/EU rates which for 2016/2017 will be £3,800. A maintenance stipend of £14,296 per annum, will also be paid monthly, in arrears. Applications from International students can be accepted but they must be able to cover the difference between UK/EU and International tuition fees which for 2016/2017 will be £13,400. If they cannot meet the difference we would NOT encourage an application.

References

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Formal applications can be completed online: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply. You should apply for Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering, to ensure that your application is passed to the correct College for processing. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU QUOTE THE PROJECT TITLE AND SUPERVISOR NAME ON THE APPLICATION FORM.

Informal inquiries can be made to Dr P Dunning (peter.dunning@abdn.ac.uk) with a copy of your curriculum vitae and cover letter. All general enquiries should be directed to the Graduate School Admissions Unit (cpsgrad@abdn.ac.uk).

Where will I study?

Aberdeen University

The University of Aberdeen is the fifth oldest university in the UK and boasts over 500 years of research and teaching excellence.

Structural optimisation of highly flexible aircraft

Aberdeen University School of Engineering