About the project
How can we “see” sound in three dimensions? In this project, you will develop intelligent 3-D beamforming methods that fuse advanced acoustic modelling with data-driven learning.
Working at the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research (ISVR), you will help redefine how aeroacoustic experiments capture and interpret complex sound fields.
Accurately identifying where sound originates within turbulent or complex flows is essential for designing quieter and more efficient technologies. Traditional beamforming techniques can provide three-dimensional source maps but remain limited by computational cost and sensitivity to measurement noise.
This PhD will explore intelligent 3D beamforming frameworks that combine established acoustic inversion methods with data-driven enhancement.
You will investigate how learning-based algorithms can complement physics-based models to improve reconstruction quality, efficiency, and robustness, while retaining full interpretability of the underlying acoustics.
The research will involve algorithm development, numerical simulation, and experimental validation using microphone arrays in the ISVR anechoic wind tunnel. The focus will be on reconstructing and characterising acoustic source distributions within aerodynamic flows, using both conventional and novel data-analysis techniques.
You will gain a distinctive blend of expertise in experimental aeroacoustics, signal processing, and applied machine learning, guided by Dr Elias Arcondoulis (lead), Prof. Phillip Joseph, and Prof. Philip Nelson.
The project offers opportunities for collaboration across ISVR and the University of Southampton and presentation at major international conferences such as the AIAA/CEAS Aeroacoustics Conference.
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.
