About the project
Hosted within the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) for Computational Engineering, the following project aims to develop novel fluidic topology optimisation approaches for gas turbine component design by leveraging cutting edge machine/deep learning methods and computational fluid dynamics with the aim of revolutionising the solution of aerodynamic design problems.
Topology optimisation has grown in popularity over the past decade for structural problems but has yet to gain significant traction within the engineering community for aerodynamic problems. While controlling the porosity over a control volume offers considerable design freedom, the solution is limited to a local optimum and multiple constraints and objectives including, for example, manufacturability cannot be easily accounted for. This severely limits the application of such an approach within gas turbine design.
This project aims to develop a novel approach to fluidic topology optimisation by building upon the cutting edge machine/deep learning approaches for optimisation and geometry generation developed by the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) for Computational Engineering.
By developing a unique feature-based fluidic topology optimisation process we aim to revolutionise aerodynamic design optimisation, producing more efficient designs in a greatly accelerated timeframe. While focused on gas turbine applications, for example, the optimisation of combustor, blade or seal features, this research has the potential to have a far reaching impact across engineering.
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.
