Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering

Location:  Highfield Campus
Closing Date:  Saturday 30 April 2022
Reference:  1769422DA

Supervisory Team:    Bharathram Ganapathisubramani and Chaitanya Paruchuri

Rotor-induced turbulent boundary layer distortion: An experimental study

Project description

Perturbation and distortion of turbulent boundary layers (TBL) lead to significant changes to aerodynamic performance in various applications. This could range from loss of lift, increased drag, and higher noise levels. As we strive towards achieving NetZero, it is increasingly important to develop new understanding as well as predictive models relevant to practical applications where the boundary layers are distorted/perturbed by external sources. In this experimental project, we will examine the effects of “strong” distortion caused by a rotor operating near a surface that not only alters the performance of the rotor but significantly changes the characteristics of the turbulent boundary layer. This type of flow is commonly encountered in applications such as boundary-layer ingestion, wind turbines embedded within an atmospheric boundary layer or propeller tip-leakage flows. 

You will have the unique opportunity to design new experiments that can be carried out in state-of-the-art facilities to examine rotor-TBL interactions. You will obtain experimental data such as wall-drag and shear stress (using a force balance and oil film interferometry) as well as detailed flow information using hot-wire anemometry, wall-pressure measurements as well as 2D and 3D Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). You will further analyse the data using bespoke numerical tools (with codes written in Matlab or Python) to better understand the flow mechanisms, develop predictive capabilities, and propose new flow control strategies. 

You will work alongside other team members (PhD students and postdoctoral researchers) with diverse background and experience. You will be trained in using state-of-the-art diagnostics and advanced data-analysis methods that will enable you to pursue a career in academia or industry. Finally, you be able to travel to international conferences to present your work and/or develop new collaborations with research groups around the world. 

Further information on the type of projects carried out in our lab as well information on current lab members can be found in our website (https://generic.wordpress.soton.ac.uk/bharath-lab/).

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Bharathram Ganapathisubramani, Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics Research Group, Email: g.bharath@soton.ac.uk, Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 2305.

Entry Requirements

a Bachelors/Masters degree in Engineering with interest (and some experience) in carrying out experimental work. A strong mathematical and computing (MATLAB, PYTHON etc.) foundation is crucial for development of data analysis codes and subsequent model synthesis.

Closing date: applications should be received no later than 30 April 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 £16,062 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 Bharathram Ganapathisubramani 

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