PhD Studentship in Aeronautics: High-Fidelity Simulation of Titan/Mars Entry
Vehicles with PyFR (AE0061)
Start Date: Earliest start date is 1 August 2025 and latest start date is 1 July
2026
Introduction and Objectives: Next-generation Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL)
systems for Titan and Mars must safely slow down increasingly large payloads. One
particular challenge occurs during the transonic phase of descent, where the
spacecraft is subject to aerodynamic instabilities that can cause uncontrolled
oscillations, posing a significant risk of mission failure. This project will
further develop the GPU-accelerated computational fluid dynamics flow solver PyFR
(www.pyfr.org) – implementing improved shock capturing approaches and a full 6-DOF
free-flight capability – and use it to study dynamic stability in the transonic
phase of descent. The work will be undertaken in collaboration with Texas A&M
University and NASA Ames.
Supervisors: The project will be computational, and led by Prof. Peter Vincent,
with relevant multi-domain expertise in EDL technology provided by Prof. Oliver
Buxton, Dr. Paul Bruce and Prof. Matthew Santer, who will all act as co-
supervisors.
Learning opportunities: You will develop expertise in high-order methods for
computational fluid dynamics, novel cross-platform implementation paradigms, and
transonic flow physics associated with entry vehicles for Titan and Mars. There is
also significant scope for direct interaction with project partners at Texas A&M
University and NASA Ames.
Professional Development: You will have access to engaging professional
development workshops in areas such as research communication, computing and data
science, and professional progression through our Early Career Researcher
Institute.
Duration: 3.5 years.
Funding: Full coverage of tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend of £21,237
for Home, EU and International students. Information on fee status can be found
at: www.imperial.ac.uk/study/pg/fees-and-funding/tuition-fees/fee-status/.
Eligibility: You must possess (or expect to gain) a First class honours MEng/MSci
or higher degree or equivalent in a relevant field e.g. computer science, physics,
mathematics, engineering etc. You should have experience of coding, ideally in
Python, C, and CUDA. A passion for fluid dynamics, space exploration and a desire
to work on interdisciplinary projects with real-world applications is important.
How to apply: Submit your application at:
www.imperial.ac.uk/study/apply/postgraduate-doctoral/application-process/. You
will need to include the reference (AE0061) and address your application to the
Department of Aeronautics. When making your application, please type ‘Aeronautics
Research (PhD)’ into the programme search bar.
For queries regarding the application process, please contact Lisa Kelly at:
l.kelly@imperial.ac.uk
Application deadline: 9 January 2025
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: Imperial is committed to equality and valuing
diversity. We are an Athena SWAN Silver Award winner, a Stonewall Diversity
Champion, a Disability Confident Employer and are working in partnership with
GIRES to promote respect for trans people.
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