PhD Studentship in Aeronautics: Aerodynamic theory of ultra-efficient aircraft rotors (AE0063)

Start Date: Earliest start date is 1 August 2025 and latest start date is 1 July 2026

Introduction: The net-zero emission goals set recently for the aviation sector by the UK and EU call for radically new aerodynamic ideas which are able to transform the aviation industry. One such idea is the theoretical concept of ‘wake filling’, already proposed by Albert Betz in the mid-20th century, but which has only very recently found application in aircraft design. Wake-filling refers to the idea that when momentum sources (e.g., propellers) are positioned in close proximity to momentum sinks (e.g., fuselage, turbines) a ‘recycling of energy’ occurs which significantly enhances the system’s aerodynamic efficiency. Still, the underlying flow-physics that enable this remarkable phenomenon remain unexplored.  

Objectives: You will investigate the aerodynamics of wake filling and will propose novel solutions where it can be exploited, i.e., in aircraft regenerative breaking, propulsor positioning, and even in applications beyond aircraft aerodynamics (e.g., wind turbine positioning inside a farm). The project will comprise both of fundamental and applied research. It will be based on wind-tunnel testing conducted in the state-of-the-art wind tunnels of the Department of Aeronautics, and mathematical modelling. Numerical simulations may also be considered.

Supervisors: Dr Kostas Steiros, Lecturer in Experimental Fluid Mechanics. Dr Steiros’ expertise lies in turbulence theory, incompressible aerodynamics, and experimental fluid mechanics. 

Learning opportunities: You can expect to become an expert in aerodynamics and turbulent flows, and to have developed skills in experimental fluid mechanics and mathematical/statistical modelling.  

Professional Development: You will have access to engaging professional development workshops in areas such as research communication, computing and data science, and professional progression through our Early Career Researchers Institute. 

Duration: 3.5 years.

Funding: Full coverage of tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend of £21,237 for Home, EU and International students. This PhD project is funded by the European Research Council, under the ERC grant ‘ONSET’.

Information on fee status can be found on our Fees and Funding webpages.

Eligibility: You must possess (or expect to gain) a First class honours MEng/MSci or higher degree or equivalent in Engineering or a closely related discipline. 

How to apply: Send your preliminary application, as soon as possible, to k.steiros@imperial.ac.uk highlighting how you meet the selection criteria and to include your CV, university transcripts and, optionally, a piece of written work (e.g., from a previous project report).

Submit your application on our Apply webpages. When submitting your application, you will need to use the following details:

• Search course/Programme: Aeronautics Research (PhD)
• Research Topic: Please use reference number AE0063
• Research Supervisor: Dr Kostas Steiros
• Research Group: Aero

For further information: For questions about the project, please email Dr Kostas Steiros, Lecturer in Experimental Fluid Mechanics: k.steiros@imperial.ac.uk

For queries regarding the application process, email the PhD Administrator.

Application deadline: 9 January 2025

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