Time-linearised methods for investigation of shock buffet

The aim of the project, sponsored by Airbus, is to investigate advanced unsteady simulation tools for the prediction of shock buffet on full aircraft configurations to shed light onto the physics leading to the destabilisation of the fluid flow around a wing in the transonic regime and the onset of the instability. Shock buffet is an undesirable phenomenon limiting the flight envelope in the transonic flight regime.

The research will build on recent work conducted at the University of Liverpool on the application of time-linearised methods for edge-of-envelope shock buffet onset flow conditions. Two routes have been followed previously; first, the analysis of aerodynamic response due to a forced structural excitation, and secondly, the calculation of global modes. Importantly, the use of such time-linearised methods adds unsteady physical information to the current design process, which is based on steady RANS simulations.

The main focus of the current work will be the effective use of the time-linearised DLR-TAU capability within the shock buffet context, including multidisciplinary coupled CFD-CSM aeroelastic analysis at these conditions, and experimental validation with wind tunnel data at edge-of-envelope conditions. Improved wing design will be discussed in the later stages of the project.

The studentship offers the opportunity to become an expert in computational aircraft aerodynamics covering aspects of numerical analysis, theory, and experiment. The PhD student will have a first class Master degree in a STEM subject and a relevant background in aerospace engineering.

The post is available from Oct 2017 (or as soon as possible thereafter). The fully-funded 36-month studentship, with tuition fees covered, offers the standard EPSRC stipend and a generous £5000 travel allowance to give the student the opportunity for an extended stay at Airbus offices and attendance at international conferences.