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.]

The University of Birmingham invites applications for a fully funded PhD studentship focused on the project "Silent Owl Flight: Noise Generation by Turbulent Flows Over Flexible Aerofoil Trailing Edge." This research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind the silent flight of owls and translate these insights into innovative, quiet airfoil designs for aircraft and wind turbines. The successful candidate will join the research group of Dr Zhong-Nan Wang, which specializes in high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and data-driven approaches for aerodynamics and aeroacoustics.

Noise pollution is a significant environmental concern, ranking as the second-largest cause of health problems in Europe after air pollution. Aerofoil noise, originating from aircraft wings, aeroengine fans, and wind turbines, is a major contributor. In nature, owls are renowned for their ability to fly almost silently, thanks to unique wing features such as feather fringes and combs. Among these, wing elasticity plays a crucial role in noise reduction. Theoretical models suggest that elastic trailing edges can significantly lower noise emissions, especially at low Mach numbers, compared to rigid designs. However, the full impact of elasticity on hydrodynamics and acoustic scattering remains poorly understood.

This multidisciplinary project will extend existing high-fidelity aeroacoustics simulation frameworks to model elastic airfoil trailing edges, investigating their interactions with both hydrodynamics and acoustics. The research will involve analyzing simulation results, comparing them with analytical models, and developing refined low-order models that incorporate flow-structure-acoustics interactions using data-driven methods. The outcomes are expected to advance our understanding of silent flight and inspire new designs for quieter aircraft and wind turbines.

The studentship offers an annual tax-free stipend of £20,780, payment of tuition fees for up to 3.5 years, and additional travel funding. The project is scheduled to start in September 2025. Applicants should possess a 1st class undergraduate or Master’s degree (or equivalent) 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) and familiarity with acoustics and solid mechanics. Candidates should be highly motivated, capable of independent and collaborative work, and demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills.

To apply, candidates must submit a cover letter outlining their research interests and suitability for the position, contact details for two referees, and a curriculum vitae by email to Dr Zhong-Nan Wang at [email protected]. Applications should be sent via the provided 'Apply' button or directly by email. The deadline for applications is 19 March 2026.

This opportunity is ideal for students interested in multidisciplinary research at the intersection of fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, acoustics, and computational science, with direct applications to environmental noise reduction and advanced engineering design.