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University of Bristol

Acoustic test chamber with sound-absorbing foam walls, central experimental apparatus, and enclosed measurement equipment.

Low-Frequency Acoustic Metamaterials for Aircraft Noise Reduction   

Project outline Aircraft noise remains a major environmental challenge as the aviation industry moves toward quieter and more sustainable propulsion systems. Low-frequency noise, produced by jet engines and fans, is particularly difficult to suppress using conventional acoustic liners due to its long wavelengths and high energy content. This PhD project will explore the use of […]

Acoustic testing chamber with sound-absorbing foam walls, measurement equipment, and cable-covered structures.

Vertiport Design and Noise Management for Urban Air Mobility  

Project outline As electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft move closer to widespread adoption in future cities, the design of vertiports which are dedicated take-off and landing hubs, has become increasingly important in ensuring safe, efficient, and publicly acceptable urban air mobility systems. Noise is one of the key challenges facing this transition. The […]

Instrumented model aircraft in a test rig, surrounded by sensors, tubing, and acoustic measurement equipment.

Turbulent Flow Induced Noise Prediction and Modelling  

Project outline This PhD project takes on one of the most fascinating challenges in modern aerospace engineering: understanding how turbulent airflows create noise and vibration when they interact with aircraft surfaces. These turbulent pressure fluctuations are key to designing the next generation aircraft, ship and other transport systems. Project Partners Working with leading researchers at […]

High-Fidelity CFD and Aeroacoustics Investigation of Turbulent Flow-Induced Noise From Aircraft Landing Gear 

Project outline The noise generated by complex aircraft components, such as landing gear systems, presents a significant scientific and engineering challenge. Reducing this noise is crucial as aircraft manufacturers strive to meet stringent environmental regulations and minimise the acoustic footprint of modern aircraft. Accurately predicting noise from such complex geometries depends on a detailed understanding […]

Small fixed-wing unmanned aircraft prototype on a workbench, with exposed internal components and detached fuselage section.

Experimental Investigation of Flow-Induced Noise from Aircraft Landing Gear

Project outline Aircraft noise remains a major environmental and public health concern, with landing gear systems representing a significant contributor to the overall noise signature during approach and landing. Understanding the complex mechanisms behind landing gear noise generation requires detailed knowledge of the turbulent flow development around these intricate geometries. The project will combine experimental […]

A specialised acoustics testing chamber is lined with large wedge-shaped sound-absorbing foam panels on the walls and ceiling. In the centre of the room, a circular array of microphones mounted on a large ring-shaped frame surrounds experimental equipment positioned on a grated floor. Additional sensors, cables and acoustic measurement devices are connected to a test setup near a large opening in the chamber wall. The facility is designed for precision acoustic measurements in a controlled, reflection-free environment.

Propeller and Rotor Broadband Noise

Project outline As urban air mobility continues to develop, electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOLs), drones, and air taxis are expected to transform the way people and goods move within and between cities. These emerging technologies promise cleaner, more efficient transport, but their success depends on achieving low noise levels that make them acceptable […]

Cohort 1 of the EPSRC Sustainable Sound Futures CDT gathered for a group photo indoors around a large anatomical ear model used for sound and hearing research.

Aeroacoustics of Novel Propulsion Systems

Project outline This PhD project will focus on advancing the understanding of the aerodynamic and aeroacoustic characteristics of wing mounted, tractor propellers and investigating how the propeller’s flow field interacts with the wing. The research will involve exploring a range of propeller configurations, flight and operating conditions and examining the influence of blade design on […]

Cohort 1 of the EPSRC Sustainable Sound Futures CDT gathered for a group photo indoors around a large anatomical ear model used for sound and hearing research.

Quiet Efficiency: Reducing Wind Noise for Low Drag Cars

Project outline The increasing focus on road vehicle efficiency will drive the development of new aerodynamic vehicle shapes, specifically electric cars. Understanding the impact that these future low drag road vehicle shapes have on aeroacoustic noise generation is critical to 1) increasing levels of vehicle refinement in an increasingly competitive sector, and 2) understanding noise […]