NGCM-0067: Computational Solution of Plasma for Aerodynamics and Spacecraft Applications.

The objective of this project is to develop engineering level models of radio frequency (RF) plasma for spacecraft and aerodynamics applications. The spacecraft application will enable the optimisation of attitude thruster design for satellite positioning and the aerodynamic application will support the development of boundary layer control and noise suppression for aircraft systems. Extensive experimental knowledge in these areas at the University of Southampton will support and guide this research. The project centres on the development of reduced order models for the plasma generation process and in the aerodynamic application the coupling of that solver with a flow solver. Both of the projects will require the development of a fast and efficient solver for the electric field and both spectral element and multigrid approaches will be evaluated, since both of these methods permit solution in arbitrary geometries.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact John Shrimpton, AFM research group, Email: [Email Address Removed] Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59-4894.

This project is run through participation in the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Next Generation Computational Modelling (http://ngcm.soton.ac.uk). For details of our 4 Year PhD programme, please see http://www.findaphd.com/search/PhDDetails.aspx?CAID=331&LID=2652

For a details of available projects click here http://www.ngcm.soton.ac.uk/projects/index.html

Visit our Postgraduate Research Opportunities Afternoon to find out more about Postgraduate Research study within the Faculty of Engineering and the Environment: http://www.southampton.ac.uk/engineering/news/events/2016/02/03-discover-your-future.page