Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering

Location:  Highfield Campus
Closing Date:  Monday 28 February 2022
Reference:  1648321DA

Predicting unknown flow physics by integrating experimental measurements into low-fidelity simulations

Supervisory Team:    Sean Symon and Bharath Ganapathisubramani

Project description

Numerical simulations of fluid flows play an important role in aerodynamic design since experimental measurements are typically limited and difficult to measure in all regions of the flow. Simulations can provide significantly more information than experiments, but modelling assumptions are necessary since it is not computationally tractable to simulate realistic flow conditions. This project investigates a more active role for experimental data by using it as an input to simulations. 

Experimental measurements, which are incomplete and uncertain, are fed into a low-fidelity simulation to produce a hybrid flow field that mimics large-scale features in the experiment. The objective is to assimilate experimental measurements of three-dimensional velocity fields around a finite-aspect ratio wing. The experimental data will be time-resolved and fed into a low-fidelity CFD solver. Once this has been achieved, the framework will consider external disturbances, such as gusts, which lead to transient flow behaviour. The assimilated flow fields will uncover additional flow physics and be used to construct reduced-order models. 

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date: applications should be received no later than 28 February 2022 for standard admissions, but later applications may be considered depending on the funds remaining in place.

Funding: For UK students, Tuition Fees and a stipend of £15,609 tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years. 

How To Apply

Applications should be made online. Select programme type (Research), 2022/23, Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, next page select “PhD  Engineering & Environment (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Sean Symon 

Applications should include: 

• Curriculum Vitae
• Two reference letters
• Degree Transcripts to date

Apply online: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/how-to-apply/postgraduate-applications.page

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk 

The School of Engineering is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.