About the project
Hypersonic glide vehicles operate in an extreme aerothermal environment and are genuinely difficult to control. While evaluating control methodologies currently relies on precomputed aerodynamic databases, this project will extend and directly couple our inhouse predictive, non-equilibrium aerothermodynamic overset strand-mesh computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver with the control methodology.
Our AMROC software infrastructure currently provides a validated, dynamically adaptive strand-mesh solver for high-temperature gas dynamics of axisymmetric bodies. Here, we will generalize AMROC’s automatic three-dimensional strand-meshing capability and apply it to the simulation of prototypical hypersonic glide vehicles, including models with active control effectors, and then couple this 3D CFD solver with a six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) flight dynamics and control model. To showcase the integrated capability, realistic constraints on aerothermodynamic heat loading, flap deflection, and thruster engagement will be considered.
This project will be carried out under the UK Hypersonics Doctoral Network, which has been supported by the Ministry of Defence and EPSRC to build the necessary expertise to develop next-generation hypersonic vehicles. You're expected to attend cohorting and training activities in the UK Hypersonics Doctoral Network, led by the University of Oxford and Imperial College. Substantial training in fundamentals of hypersonics, hypersonic vehicle design, ground testing and numerical simulation will be provided as part of the UK Hypersonics Doctoral Network.
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.
