Aerodynamic design and analysis of hypersonic bodies using Computational Fluid Dynamics

Hypersonic flight presents a significant technological challenge which is at the forefront of aerospace engineering. Aerothermal heating at speeds of Mach 6 and greater can lead to impaired structural integrity. Consequently, it is vital to understand the interplay between aerodynamics and heat transfer in the pursuit of superior aerospace vehicle design. The main aim of this fully funded PhD project is to gain novel insights into aerothermal behaviour at high-supersonic and hypersonic speeds. It will involve extensive use of high-fidelity Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations and High Performance Computing (HPC) to generate valuable aerothermal data.

<p>One full EPSRC Doctoral Scholarship is available in the School of Mechanical Engineering in 2026/27. This scholarship is open to UK applicants and covers UK fees plus a maintenance allowance matching current UKRI rates of £21,805 for 2026/27. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with an experienced and diverse supervisory team, supported by key industrial partners, which together have extensive knowledge of CFD, compressible flows and design optimisation.</p> <p>There is freedom within the project to explore one of two key areas. The first concerns fundamental hypersonic flows near surfaces with a focus on excrescences (e.g. body panel joints) and transpirational cooling via porous materials. This will provide insight into the development of protective thermal boundary layers to cool surfaces. The second area concerns geometrical changes to critical regions of a typical hypersonic vehicle. For example, shape morphing of leading edges has the potential to enhance manoeuvrability whilst controlling intense heat loads. Engine intake design presents another current research challenge with effective control of shock waves which are critical to satisfactory performance. Whichever direction the research goes, there will be opportunities to explore design sensitivities via machine learning techniques and/or formal design optimisation methods (e.g. metamodeling).</p>

<p>To apply for this project you will need to make a formal application for research degree study through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University website</a>. You will need to create a login ID with a username and PIN. </p> <p>•    For <strong>Application Type</strong> please select <strong>Research Degrees, Research Postgraduate. </strong><br /> •    The <strong>Admission Year</strong> for this project is <strong>2026/27 Academic Year</strong>. <br /> •    You will need to select your <strong>Planned Course of Study</strong> from a drop-down menu. For this project, scroll down and select <strong>EPSRC DLA (Engineering, Biological Sciences, Medicine)</strong>. <br /> •    The <strong>project start date </strong>for this project is <strong>1 October 2026</strong>, please use this as your <strong>Proposed Start Date of Research</strong>. <br /> •    Please state clearly in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <strong>Aerodynamic design and analysis of hypersonic bodies using Computational Fluid Dynamics</strong> as well as <strong><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/staff/402/dr-carl-gilkeson">Dr Carl Gilkeson</a></strong> as your proposed supervisor.</p> <p><strong>Please state in the Finance section that you are applying for the EPSRC DLA in Hypersonics.</strong></p> <p>More information on how to apply is available on our website here. You will be required to provide a personal statement which outlines your interest in the project you are applying for, why you have chosen it and how your skills map onto the requirements of the project. </p> <p>Applications will be reviewed and assessed after the closing date of Friday 29 May 2026. We welcome and strongly encourage any potential applicants to contact the supervisor(s) for an informal discussion, prior to applying, and recommend submitting your application early.</p> <p><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Friday 29 May 2026:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including grading scheme</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements below.</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

The minimum entry requirements for PhD study is a Upper 2nd Class Honours Bachelor degree, or equivalent, in a subject relating to your proposed area of research, or a good performance in a Master’s level course in a relevant subject.<br /> <br /> A first class honours degree (or equivalent) is usually required to be competitive for scholarship funding and a Master's degree is also a valuable asset. <br /> <br /> Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or PGR Admissions Team prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p>A highly competitive EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award in Hypersonics studentship, providing the award of full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate of £21,805 per year for 3.5 years. Training and support is also provided.<br /> <br /> Please note that there is only 1 funded place available to UK applicants only.  If you are successful in securing an academic offer for PhD study, this does not mean that you have been successful in securing an offer of funding.</p> <p><strong>Eligibility Criteria </strong></p> <ul> <li>Applicants must be eligible to pay fees at the UK Fee rate.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Conditions </strong></p> <ul> <li>Candidates who have previously been awarded a PhD or are currently registered on a PhD are excluded from applying. Those who were previously studying for a PhD but did not complete may be considered.  </li> <li>Award must be taken up by 1 October 2026.</li> <li>Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship.</li> </ul> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website or our  <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/undergraduate-fees/doc/fee-assessment">fee assessment page</a> for information regarding Fee Status for Non UK Nationals. </p>

<p>Individuals interested in this project are encouraged to contact Dr Carl Gilkeson by email to <a href="mailto:C.A.Gilkeson@leeds.ac.uk">C.A.Gilkeson@leeds.ac.uk</a> for further information</p> <p>For questions related to the application process and eligibility, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>