PhD Studentship: Silent Owl Flight – Noise Generation by Turbulent Flows Over Flexible Aerofoil Trailing Edge University of Birmingham in United Kingdom

[Annual tax-free stipend of £20,780 per year, payment of tuition fees for up to 3.5 years, and additional travel funding.]

This fully funded PhD studentship at the University of Birmingham offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the reduction of aircraft noise through advanced research in aeroacoustics and fluid mechanics. The project, titled 'Silent Owl Flight: Noise Generation by Turbulent Flows Over Flexible Aerofoil Trailing Edge,' aims to uncover the mechanisms behind the silent flight of owls and apply these insights to the innovative design of quiet airfoils for aircraft and wind turbines.

Hosted in the research group of Dr Zhong-Nan Wang, the work will focus on high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and data-driven approaches to model and simulate the interactions between turbulent flows and flexible aerofoil trailing edges. The research is inherently multidisciplinary, integrating fluid and solid mechanics, acoustics, and computing science. The successful candidate will extend existing aeroacoustics simulation frameworks to model elastic airfoil trailing edges, analyze simulation results, compare with analytical models, and develop refined low-order models that incorporate flow-structure-acoustics interactions using data-driven methods.

Noise pollution is a significant environmental concern, with aerofoil noise from aircraft wings, aeroengine fans, and wind turbines contributing to health problems across Europe. Owls, known for their silent flight, possess wing features such as feather fringes and combs, with elasticity playing a key role in noise reduction. This project will investigate how elasticity affects hydrodynamics and acoustic scattering, potentially establishing feedback loops between flow and acoustics. The outcomes are expected to advance understanding of noise reduction mechanisms and inspire new designs for quieter airfoils.

The studentship provides an annual tax-free stipend of £20,780, covers tuition fees for up to 3.5 years, and includes additional travel funding. The ideal candidate will have a first-class undergraduate or Master’s degree in Physics, Mathematics, Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline. Essential skills include knowledge of fluid mechanics or CFD, with desirable experience in programming (Fortran, C++, Python), acoustics, and solid mechanics. Applicants should be highly motivated, capable of independent and collaborative work, and possess strong communication skills.

Applications are open until 19 March 2026, with the project expected to start in September 2025. To apply, submit a cover letter detailing your research interests and suitability, contact information for two referees, and a CV to Dr Zhong-Nan Wang at [email protected].