About the project
Close Encounters explores how wings, fuselages, trusses and other aerodynamic components interact to generate complex pressure gradients and how this affects the performance of turbulent boundary layers. You will use advanced wind-tunnel experiments, state-of-the-art flow diagnostics and data-driven analysis to uncover the underlying physics, with strong relevance to future aerospace design and collaboration with leading industry partners.
Close Encounters will explore the complex turbulent flows that arise when aerodynamic components interact, for example where a wing meets a fuselage, a truss supports a wing, or an appendage disturbs the surrounding boundary layer. These interactions generate strongly three-dimensional pressure gradients, vortices and regions of flow separation that can have a major impact on aerodynamic performance, yet remain challenging to predict accurately.
The project will use advanced wind-tunnel experiments to investigate how turbulent boundary layers respond to both two-dimensional and three-dimensional pressure-gradient fields. Carefully designed model geometries will allow us to isolate the fundamental physics of these interactions before progressing towards more realistic aerodynamic configurations.
You will be trained in a range of state-of-the-art experimental techniques. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) will be used to obtain detailed spatial measurements of the velocity field and turbulent structures, while hot-wire anemometry will provide high-frequency measurements of turbulence dynamics. Oil-film interferometry will be used to measure local skin friction and reveal how wall shear stress changes through complex pressure-gradient and junction-flow regions.
The resulting datasets will be analysed using modern data-driven approaches to identify dominant flow structures, quantify interactions between vortices and turbulent boundary layers, and develop improved physical understanding and modelling strategies. The project offers extensive hands-on training in experimental aerodynamics, advanced flow diagnostics and data analysis, with opportunities to work alongside academic researchers and collaborate with industry partners on problems relevant to future aerospace systems.
You will receive extensive training in wind-tunnel experimentation, Particle Image Velocimetry, hot-wire anemometry and oil-film interferometry. You will also develop skills in experimental design, uncertainty analysis, scientific programming and data-driven modelling, while gaining experience of collaborative research with academic and industrial partners and presenting results to international audiences.
The School of Engineering is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.
