Project Outline
Understanding the effects of fan–OGV spacing, swirling flow and source proximity
Ultra-high bypass ratio aero-engines are expected to use shorter nacelles to reduce weight and drag. This may reduce the nacelle length and/or bring the fan and outlet guide vanes closer together, affecting both fan-stage noise generation and emphasising the performance of interstage acoustic liners. This project will investigate these coupled effects to support quieter and more efficient future aero-engines.
Further project information
Ultra-high bypass ratio (UHBR) aero-engines offer a route to improved propulsive efficiency, but their larger fan diameters can increase nacelle weight and drag. Shorter nacelles may therefore be required, potentially also reducing the spacing between the fan and outlet guide vanes (OGVs). This can affect the noise generation within the fan stage. Furthermore, the performance of the interstage acoustic liners installed between the fan blades and the OGVs can become much more important with short nacelles.
This project will investigate the noise implications of reduced fan–OGV spacing, with particular emphasis on the design and performance of interstage liners. The research will combine experimental measurements with analytical, reduced-order and numerical modelling to improve understanding of noise generation and attenuation within UHBR fan stages. The aim is to support liner designs that remain effective under representative source and flow conditions while helping to reduce noise at source.
Subject Areas
- Aeroacoustics;
- Acoustic liners;
- Aerospace engineering;
- Aircraft propulsion;
- Ultra-high bypass ratio aero-engines; fan noise; turbomachinery;
- fluid mechanics;
- Acoustics;
- Analytical and numerical modelling
Required technical skills/academic qualifications/experience
Applicants should have, or expect to obtain, a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent in engineering, physics, applied mathematics, computer science or a related discipline.
Experience or interest in aeroacoustics, acoustics, fluid mechanics, turbomachinery or aircraft propulsion would be advantageous. Programming or data-analysis experience in MATLAB, Python or a similar environment would also be useful.
You do not need experience of every method described above. Training will be provided, and we value curiosity, collaboration, persistence and a willingness to learn. We welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from women and other groups under-represented in research. All appointments will be made on merit.
Prior to appointment prospective students will have to undergo Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks.
Mode of attendance
Successful applicants are expected to register as full-time students. However, eligible UK home fees applicants may request to be considered for part-time mode of attendance by the supervisory team.
Supervisors
Project Partners
This project will be hosted at the University of Southampton with support from Rolls-Royce.
