About the Project
Congratulations on taking your first steps toward a Research Degree with Coventry’s Faculty of Engineering and Computing. As an ambitious and innovative University, we’re investing an initial £100m into our new research strategy, ‘Excellence with Impact’. Through original approaches from world-leading experts, we’re aiming for our research to make a tangible difference to the way we live. As a research student you are an integral part of Coventry’s lively and diverse research community and contribute to our reputation for excellence. With our exceptional facilities and superb support mechanisms you are afforded every opportunity for academic success.
Better known for his achievements as an automobile designer and manufacturer, Dr Frederick William Lanchester (1868 – 1946) was also an accomplished aeronautical engineer. In 1897, six years before the Wright Brother’s first flight, he designed the ‘Aeromachine’ – an aircraft with conventional main wing, horizontal tailplane but also sporting such innovations as contra-rotating, shrouded propellers, and winglets. Coventry University Library houses the collection of Lanchesters’ original designs and patents and it is possible that other innovations lay ‘undiscovered’ within the collection.
The aim of this PhD project is to evaluate the design, performance and handling qualities of Lanchester’s 1897 Aeromachine using modern tools and techniques for modelling and simulation. The research is informed by previous studies of other aircraft of historical significance using a combination of mathematical modelling, control system analysis, system identification, flight simulation and flight testing methods.
The research will be conducted under the supervision of Dr Mike Bromfield (FRAeS), a Flight Safety Researcher within the Centre for Mobility & Transport (CMT). The project will make extensive use of the faculty’s state-of-the-art modular, configurable engineering flight simulator.
The research has the potential to inform future aircraft design and is jointly sponsored by the CMT and the Lanchester Trust, a charitable organisation with the primary aim of celebrating the work of the Frederick Lanchester and his brother George.
Our research in Mobility & Transport works across our faculties and focuses on the design and engineering of future transport systems, with a focus on inclusive, sustainable and safe transport integrating the strongest research elements in design and engineering.
The Centre comprises a small team of researchers with international expertise in flying qualities. Collaborative research partners include BAe Systems, GE Aviation, the UK Civil Aviation Authority and the Breitling Air Race Team (Red Bull Air Race series).
The successful applicant will work with our flight safety research team applying skills in flight dynamics, flight test, modelling and flight simulation. We are one of a small number of leading international research groups active in flying qualities research driven by real-world safety challenges.
Application information can be found in our how to apply section and by clicking here: http://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-students/research-studentships/flight-performance-handling-qualities-assessment-of-frederick-lanchesters-1897-aeromachine/
For an initial informal discussion about the opportunity, please contact http://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-directories/researchers/dr-mike-bromfield/
The studentship opportunity is open to UK and EU students only with the necessary entry requirements and will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified, early application is recommended with a start date of either May or September 2016.
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