This research area primarily focuses on applied computational aerodynamics using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for low and high-speed applications. Of particular interest is the development of active flow control, transonic and supersonic aircraft designs, and minimising the excrescence drag on aircraft, high-speed trains and related vehicles.
<p>There are significant economic and health benefits to improving the aerodynamic design of the real-life road, rail and air vehicles by reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions.</p> <p>Postgratuate research projects offered in this area aim to address some of the flow fundamentals as well as developing realistic design solutions of benefit to manufacturers. Past projects and areas of current/future interest include:</p> <ul> <li>Performance improvements of commercial-scale vertical and horizontal axis word turbines via passive and active flow control methods.</li> <li>Distributed electric propulsion system designs for civil and light aircraft.</li> <li>Multi-objective aerodynamic shape optimisation of heavy goods vehicles (HGV’s).</li> <li>Surface excrescence drag reduction on aircraft and trains by examining the fundamentals of small-scale flow phenomena due to surface discontinuities. </li> <li>The application of artificial intelligence to supplement knowledge-based design in high-end manufacturing.</li> </ul> <p>Find out more about the <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering-research-thermofluids/doc/institute-thermofluids">Institute of Thermofluids</a>.</p> <h3>Useful links and further reading:</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://engineering.leeds.ac.uk/info/201343/research_degrees">Research degrees within the School of Mechanical Engineering</a></li> <li><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering-research-thermofluids/doc/institute-thermofluidseps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering-research-thermofluids/doc/institute-thermofluids">Institute of Thermofluids</a></li> <li><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering-research-innovation">School of Mechanical Engineering, Research and Innovation</a></li> </ul> <h3>Leeds Doctoral College</h3> <p>Our <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-leeds-doctoral-college">Doctoral College</a> supports you throughout your postgraduate research journey. It brings together all the support services and opportunities to enhance your research, your development, and your overall experience.</p>
<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>.</p>
<p>For queries relating to your research proposal or subject area, please contact <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/staff/402/dr-carl-gilkeson">Dr Carl Gilkeson</a>.</p> <p>For general enquiries and details regarding the application process, please contact the Graduate School Office:</p> <p>e: <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a>, t: +44 (0)113 34 35057</p>
<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Linked funding opportunities</h2>