About the project
This project will focus on an approach for aerostructural analysis and optimisation of Ultra-High Aspect Ratio Wings (UHARW). You'll develop and apply active flow control to the design of next generation low emission transport aircraft. Advanced optimisation approaches, such as coupled-adjoint sensitivity analysis will be integrated with medium to high fidelity aerodynamic and structural analysis tools to achieve this goal.
Aviation accounts for approximatly 3% of human global CO2 emissions. To meet the Paris Climate Agreement objectives, aviation must reduce it's emissions. The target for air transportation is a 75% reduction in CO2 and 90% reduction in NOx by 2050. The European Green Deal aims at climate neutrality by 2050.
To achieve such goals, the path forward is minimising aircraft weight and drag and moving towards emissions-free energy sources, storage and conversion systems. The sector is looking at:
- new energy carriers including batteries, fuel cells and hydrogen
- distributed propulsion concepts
- new configurations such as Ultra-High Aspect Ratio Wings (UHARW)
The UHARW concept presents an advantage of reduced induced drag, consequently leading to reduced fuel consumption and extended range. However, it also introduces challenges associated with substantial aerodynamic load-induced wing bending moments and shear forces.
These factors give rise to heightened structural weight, thereby constraining the overall advantages of the UHARW design. To tackle this challenge, integrating novel configurations strategies such as strut-braced wings, with novel technologies such as active and passive load alleviation can be used.
You will join a leading Engineering Faculty with an excellent record of collaborative research with industry and academic institutions in the UK and abroad. The Faculty offers exceptional research facilities in the areas of fluids, structures and their interactions. This includes a new world-class fluid dynamics facilities complex in the Boldrewood Engineering Campus, complete with a 138m towing tank.
The School of Engineering was awarded an Athena SWAN Bronze award in September 2013 in recognition of our continued commitment to improving equality for women in science and engineering. We value diversity and equality and the University recognises that employees may wish to have working patterns that fit with their caring responsibilities or work-life balance.
Due consideration will be given to applicants who have had career breaks for reasons including maternity, paternity or adoption leave, disability or illness. Both the University of Southampton and Chemistry are proud to hold Athena Swan Silver Awards.
