About the project
Future aeroengines are expected to use shorter nacelles to reduce weight and drag. This may bring the fan and outlet guide vanes closer together, affecting fan-stage noise generation and emphasising the performance of interstage acoustic liners. This project will investigate these coupled effects to support quieter and more efficient aeroengines.
Ultra-high bypass ratio (UHBR) aero-engines offer a route to improved propulsive efficiency, but their larger fan diameters can increase nacelle weight and drag. Shorter nacelles may therefore be required, potentially also reducing the spacing between the fan and outlet guide vanes (OGVs). This can affect the noise generation within the fan stage and emphasise the performance of interstage acoustic liners.
This project will investigate the noise implications of reduced fan–OGV spacing, with particular emphasis on the design and performance of interstage liners. The research will combine experimental measurements with analytical, reduced-order and numerical modelling to improve understanding of noise generation and attenuation within UHBR fan stages. The aim is to support liner designs that remain effective under representative source and flow conditions while helping to reduce noise at source.
This project will be hosted within the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) in Propulsion Systems Noise at the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research (ISVR). You'll benefit from a dynamic research environment with access to specialist facilities and a vibrant postgraduate community. You'll have opportunities to attend international conferences, workshops and training events, and to engage with researchers and industry experts. Join a team of ambitious researchers for a once in a lifetime opportunity to become part of the sustainability challenge in aviation at the forefront of research for the next generation of ultra efficient and quiet aircraft.
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.
