PhD opportunity: Simulation of bio-inspired aerofoil noise reduction techniques

Join researchers using novel simulation capabilities to study the noise reduction potential of aerofoil modifications – inspired by flying vertebrates like owls and bats.

The project

Work with experts in ecology and evolutionary biology to identify and characterise potential noise reduction features of natural flyers. Then model these features and assess their effect with high-fidelity simulations, under supervision of the fluid dynamics group. You will perform these simulations using a well-established high-performance CFD code.

The project is a collaboration between the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the School of BioSciences.

The need

Aerofoil noise is a major contributor to environmental noise pollution. The World Health Organisation has identified it as a global public health problem. The noise created whenever turbulent flow passes the trailing edge of an aerofoil is produced by:

• aero engine fan blades
• aircraft wing high-lift devices
• wind turbines
• industrial and domestic ventilation or cooling fans.

Reducing aerofoil noise contributes to:

• quieter aerospace
• quieter renewable energy and ventilation technologies
• pleasant community spaces.

Who can apply

You will have:

• a background in Engineering or a relevant discipline (essential)
• experience in performing fluid flow simulations
• an avid interest in the natural world and bioinspired technologies
• strong computer skills, including MPI, OpenMP and OpenACC
• experience with various HPC platforms (desirable).

We encourage applications from women.

Get in touch

For more information about the position and how to apply, please contact Professor Richard Sandberg at richard.sandberg@unimelb.edu.au or phone +61 3 8344 9084.

Image: Zdeněk Macháček/Unsplash