Future Aerospace Structures Testing using Dynamic Similitude

Applications are invited for one full-time PhD Studentship within the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering funded by Airbus Industrial partner and EPSRC. The PhD studentship is for a period of three and a half (3.5) years effective 1 January 2024. The successful applicant will receive an annual stipend (bursary) of £ 20,662 plus payment of their full-time tuition fees.

Project Details

The need to conduct experimental tests in engineering applications is often unavoidable, where the successful design and analysis of new dynamical engineering systems are broadly dependent on many investigations conducted through theoretical, computational and experimental verifications. The experimental observation of phenomena also aids the development and understanding of scientific laws. However, the experimental testing of dynamical systems can be challenging due to high costs and the lack of experimental resources. Even when ample resources are afforded, it could still be very challenging or impractical to conduct tests due to uncontrollable factors, while for large and oversized systems, creating the actual working conditions for testing the prototype can be very time-consuming or impossible.

This research is focused on the development of future aerospace testing using spatial and temporal scaling of the solid continuum. The recent work by the research team on dynamic similitude will be further developed. The multidisciplinary project will investigate the multi-scale, multi-physics numerical modelling of typical aerospace structures. This research will use and further develop in-house FE and CFD solvers in the development of the similitude model. The project will also focus on the fabrication and experimental testing of aerospace structures.

The studentship will be based in the Aerospace Research Centre in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Brunel University, London, and it will be supervised by Dr. Mayo Adetoro.

The industrial partner, Airbus, is a leader in designing, manufacturing and delivering aerospace products, and this project will include visits and placement at the Airbus site.

Skills/Experience required:

• Experience in numerical modelling and simulation of solid or fluid continuum and an interest in structural dynamics is essential.
• Programming skills are advantageous.
• An inquisitive approach to research along with scientific rigor, strong intellect and disciplined work habits.
• Enthusiasm and self-motivation.
• Good oral and written communication skills.

Informal enquires may be addressed to Dr Mayo Adetoro by email to mayo.adetoro@brunel.ac.uk

Eligibility

Applicants will have or be expected to receive a minimum 2:1 or 1^st class degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering or a related engineering discipline. A Masters qualification is an advantage but not essential. UK home and EU candidates are eligible for this studentship.

To be treated as a home student, candidates must meet one of these criteria:

• be a UK national (meeting residency requirements)
• have settled status
• have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements)
• have indefinite leave to remain or enter.

However, candidates who do not meet the requirements will also be considered.

How to apply

Please e-mail your application comprising of all the documents listed below in ONE PDF file to

cedps-pgr-office@brunel.ac.uk by noon on 27 November 2023:

• Your up-to-date CV;
• A research statement of 500-1,000 words setting out your project ideas;
• A one A4 page personal statement setting out why you are a suitable candidate (i.e.: your skills and experience);
• A copy of your degree certificate(s) and full transcript (s);
• Names and contact details for two academic referees;
• Evidence of English language capability to IELTS 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in all sections), if applicable.

Interviews will take place during early December 2023.