About the project
This PhD project focuses on improving aircraft noise prediction for emerging technologies at early design stages. It involves developing whole-aircraft noise models, incorporating operational factors and fleet-level scenarios. The research supports Rolls-Royce’s noise prediction systems and informs certification standards and airport noise policies.
These PhD projects will be hosted within the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) in Propulsion Systems Noise at the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research (ISVR) at the University of Southampton. The UTC is a world-leading hub for aeroacoustics research, offering close collaboration with the Rolls-Royce noise engineering team. This provides a unique opportunity to contribute to real-world challenges and make a tangible impact on the future of quieter, more sustainable aviation.
This PhD project focuses on advancing noise prediction and mitigation methods for emerging aircraft technologies, including next-generation gas turbine architectures and propeller-based propulsion systems. A key challenge is estimating noise emissions during the conceptual design phase, where trade-offs between noise and performance are often overlooked.
The project will build on ongoing research at ISVR to adapt existing scaling laws for different noise sources, ensuring their relevance to novel aircraft configurations.
It will also involve developing whole-aircraft noise models that incorporate operational characteristics such as take-off profiles, power requirements, and flight trajectories. These models will be extended to fleet-level scenarios, enabling assessment of noise impacts across various aircraft categories and compositions. The aviation industry stands at a pivotal moment, with disruptive concepts such as UltraFan and RISE redefining the future of flight.
This PhD places you at the forefront of that transformation, shaping the next generation of sustainable propulsion. You will benefit from a dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment at ISVR, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant postgraduate community.
Along with the main supervisor, you will be supervised by Emeritus Professor Rodney Self.
The University of Southampton is internationally recognised for its excellence in acoustics and aerospace research. PhD candidates will have opportunities to attend international conferences, workshops, and training events, and to engage with a global network of researchers and industry experts.
The successful candidate will automatically become part of the wider Rolls-Royce Doctorate Network, connecting with researchers across different fields who are all working toward the future of sustainable aviation. You will have the opportunity to gain advanced training, broaden your perspective, and build professional networks that will strengthen your future career development.
You will also have access to the full range of postgraduate development courses offered by the University of Southampton's Doctoral College, covering academic writing, presentation skills, project management, and public engagement.
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.
