Funding restrictions: UK/EU
Start: September/October 2013

Development of flexible, intuitive methods for aerodynamic design

Project

A major aerospace company is beginning a project to develop new techniques for 
aerodynamic design. The interest is based around free-form deformation of 
shapes, as well as alternative geometric tools to describe shape changes. As 
part of this work, they are offering a fully funded 3.5yr PhD position within 
the University of Bristol aerodynamics research group, at normal EPSRC stipend 
rates (tax free). Tuition fees will also be covered and travel to aerospace 
conferences in the USA can be expected.

The work will involve numerical and graphical programming. Development will 
begin by by implementing and extending recently developed methods, making a 
comparison to competing approaches and then tailoring the methods to the 
problems encountered by designers on a daily basis. There will be excellent 
opportunities for learning how industrial aerodynamic design takes place, as 
well as for acquiring a deep understanding of aerodynamics.

This is an exciting opportunity to follow development of the numerical methods 
and implementation right through to final application on design geometries, 
with a significant chance to make a lasting impact on the design process in 
aerodynamics.

Requirements of candidate

Essential: A minimum of an upper second (2:1) class honours degree (or 
equivalent) in computer science, engineering or physics.
Desirable: Experience with C/C++, Matlab or Java will be an advantage. 
Knowledge of free-form deformation methods would be very useful.

Please apply via 
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/prospectus/postgraduate/2013/apply.html . On the 
supporting documentation please mark for attention of the aerodynamics group. 
Suitable candidates will be contacted for interview.

For further information contact: thomas.rendall@bristol.ac.uk