I’m George, a Mathematician turned Engineer here at the University of Bristol. My goal is to use my experience to make aviation a sustainable and safe part of public infrastructure. Alongside my studies I teach Swing dance at the Bristol University Swing Society and practice Kickboxing.
Project title: Vertiport Design and Noise Management for Urban Air Mobility
Project Partner: Skyportz & Vertical Aerospace
University: University of Bristol
Supervisors: Dr Esmaeel Masoudi and Professor Mahdi Azarpeyvand
Briefly, what is your PhD project about?
My project is on Vertiport Design and Noise Managment. Vertiports are dedicated vertical landing sites for Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft, and with electric VTOL aircraft in development the propellers operating in ground effect is becoming a dominant source of noise. The Vertiport can be designed to help attenuate this potentially harmful noise source. The use of perforated landing surfaces or porous treatments are potential solutions, and their design and acoustic characterisation is what this PhD project is about.
Why is it important to do this research?
With the advent of eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-off and Landing) aircraft, aviation will become a more present part of transport infrastructure. While these aircraft are exceptionally quiet in normal flight at higher altitudes, the noise from take-off and landing remains. This noise is especially harmful as it is created in close proximity to the ground, where it will have the greatest impact on people. If this technology is to be implemented in a safe and sustainable way the acoustics must be considered so that those living and working near a vertiport are not harmed.
What drew you to studying this PhD?
I have always been interested in aviation and the design of aircraft, however the detrimental impacts of their use made me initially not pursue a career in aerospace. This PhD allows me to use my skills as both a Mathematician and an Engineer to ensure that the future of aerospace is not one furthered at the expense of people or the planet. Being in the CDT allows me to work alongside a group of like-minded individuals to tackle issues surrounding acoustics that appear in all our everyday lives.
What does a Sustainable Sound Future mean to you?
If we are to have a Sustainable Sound Future then the acoustic impact of new technology must be considered before it is implemented. In the past the acoustics have not been considered before new infrastructure has been put in place and this has lead to millions of people living in an unsafe acoustic environment. By designing around the acoustic impact from the start of a project the harm from noise pollution can be greatly reduced, and this must be an integral part of any design process if the future of sound is to be sustainable.
What were you doing before joining the CDT?
I had just finished my Masters in Mathematics at the University of Bristol. I love both the academic and general community in Bristol so I decided to make it my home for at least another 4 years.
What do you do on a typical PhD day so far?
Studying a PhD has given me the creative freedom to study in the way I feel most productive. Although I set my own hours I am working 9-5, and ensuring I am making the most out of the facilties provided by the university. Often I have extra training with the CDT which gives an interesting look at the wider subject of acoustics and helps me to develop my skills as a researcher.
Tell us a fun acoustic fact!
Next time you see a helicopter taking off or landing (or hovering, whats important is that it is still or slowly moving) see if you can hear what sound like a rhythmic slapping sound. This is the vorticies from a blade being ingested by the next blade and creating a large spike in tonal noise. The loudest noise from a helicopter is completely separate from the engine!