Modelling and Simulation: Novel design methods and tools for novel aircraft configurations - Uncertainty, Risk and Robustness

Application Deadline: Open
Start Date: Cranfield campus, February 2017
Eligibility: UK, EU, or International
Duration of award: 3 years

Sponsored by Cranfield University, this studentship will provide a bursary of up to £14K p.a. (tax free) plus EU/UK fees for three years, subject to a satisfactory progress

The design of complex engineering systems such as those developed in the aerospace industry evolves over long periods of time. This allows OEMs to build and continuously validate sets of empirical methods for the conceptual design of the next product generation. In addition to the significant financial risks involved and the safety levels required, this practice has contributed to a rather conservative approach to innovation.

For example, the civil aerospace industry has for many years been perfecting the classical “tube and wing” aircraft configuration, which is now reaching the point of diminishing returns. Therefore the synthesis and exploration of novel product and systems architectures necessitates the research, development and introduction of novel methods and tools to facilitate the requisite design processes.
The two PhD topics are complementary, each covering an important aspect of the early (aircraft) design process:

The second PhD will concentrate on Uncertainty, Risk and Robustness. The challenge here is the quantification and management of higher levels of uncertainty and risk. Unlike incremental developments, novel product architectures are subject to a multitude of uncertainties, ranging from the more “traditional” aleatory sources such as environmental and product data variability to epistemic uncertainty (associated with lack of knowledge) such as technology maturity and experts’ grasp of the problem.

Entry requirements:
The research work will be related to a flagship UK aeronautical project, led by two world renowned aircraft and engine manufacturers. The case studies used by our industrial collaborators for concept evaluation and validation are likely to include power plant integration. These may influence to an extent the selection of the successful PhD candidates who as a minimum should have an honours or equivalent degree from a reputable university in aeronautical or mechanical engineering, combined with good computing skills, the ability to work in a team and to deliver to a deadline. Good knowledge and experience in one or more of the following subjects is essential: air-vehicle design, multidisciplinary design and optimisation, airframe systems and structural analysis, geometry modelling, model-based systems engineering, probability and statistics, aspects of computer science such as algorithms, graph theory and object-oriented modelling. Good computing skills, ideally in C#, are essential. Knowledge of SysML, Matlab and Modelica would be advantageous.

How to apply:
For further information please contact: Prof. Marin D. Guenov: [Email Address Removed]; Tel: 01234 754612, or Dr. Arturo Molina-Cristobal: [Email Address Removed]
If you are eligible to apply for this research studentship, please complete the online application form
For further information contact us today:
School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing
T: 44 (0)1234 758008
E: [Email Address Removed]