About the Project
Duration: Full Time 3 years fixed term (Starting September 2016)
Application deadline: Ongoing
Informal enquiries are essential before application; contact Dr. Mike Bromfield to discuss this opportunity.
Congratulations on taking your first steps toward a Research Degree with Coventry’s Faculty of Engineering, Environment 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.
THE PROJECT
Loss of Control in Flight (LoC-I) is the number one fatal accident category for all aviation sectors and aircraft types. Inadequate airspeed management leading to loss of control (LoC) is frequently cited as an accident pre-cursor. An aircraft may stall at any airspeed, when the critical angle of attack is exceeded; therefore airspeed is not a reliable indicator of the proximity to stall. Angle of attack systems directly measure AoA and have been used by the military for over 60 years. AoA is typically sensed using alpha vanes or differential pressure probes located at one or more positions on the airframe. They are sensitive to environmental factors and physical positioning.
This PhD is part of a programme of AoA research and the aim this PhD project is to explore novel methods for AoA sensing to improve reliability and quality of AoA data for a given set of upset conditions associated with LoC-I events.
The research will be conducted under the supervision of Dr Mike Bromfield (FRAeS), a Flight Safety Researcher within the Centre for Mobility & Transport. The project will make extensive use of the faculty’s new, state-of-the-art modular/configurable engineering flight simulator (Phoenix).
The research will critically evaluate current methods for AoA sensing, identifying limitations and opportunities for enhancement. It will involve sensor modelling and this will be incorporated into pilot in the loop modelling using Matlab/Simulink. Flight simulation and flight testing of existing and future novel designs will follow. The research has potential to inform future design of AoA systems, pilot education, pilot training and regulation in all aviation sectors on a global basis.
The research will be conducted in collaboration with Purdue University and will benefit from the active supervision, support and participation of experienced research staff from both institutions. The research student will be based at Coventry University with annual visits of one month duration to Purdue to support their research investigations.
ABOUT THE CENTRE/DEPARTMENT
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 includes a small team of researchers with world-class expertise in flight dynamics and safety and human systems integration. 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 and systems design whilst considering human systems integration. We are one of a small number of leading international research groups active in HF/flying qualities research driven by real-world safety challenges.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS
Successful Applicants will have:
A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the Project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average, or
A Masters Degree in a relevant subject area will be considered as an equivalent. The Masters must have been attained with overall marks at merit level (60%) minimum. In addition, the dissertation or equivalent element in the Masters must also have been attained with a mark at merit level (60%) minimum.
The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a prescribed period of study
Language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component).
Additionally:
Relevant undergraduate/taught post-graduate degrees or post-graduate degrees by research are aeronautical/aerospace engineering, systems engineering, applied psychology;
All degrees should involve a dissertation with an experimental, modelling or analytical component;
Good knowledge of flight dynamics (performance and flying qualities), control systems and human factors;
Have some experience of modelling and analysis using Matlab/Simulink;
Be passionate about flight safety;
Be expected to become active members of the University’s academic community;
Practical flying skills either as a general aviation, commercial or military pilot are desirable.
ELIGIBILITY & APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Application Procedure:
Application information can be found in our how to apply section: http://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-students/how-to-apply/?id=88848
Before completing the application please contact Dr. Mike Bromfield (cc'ing [Email Address Removed] when you do) for an initial informal discussion about the opportunity.
Eligibility:
All UK/EU students are eligible to apply that meet the academic requirements, the eligibility criteria can be found here: http://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-students/research-entry-criteria/?id=88841
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