Aerodynamic and Aeroelastic Design and Analysis of a Bat-Inspired Morphing Wing for Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs) Kingston University in United Kingdom

This PhD opportunity at Kingston University focuses on the aerodynamic and aeroelastic design and analysis of a bat-inspired morphing wing for micro air vehicles (MAVs). The project leverages the unique flight characteristics of actively deforming bat wings, which demonstrate superior aerodynamic efficiency at low Reynolds numbers—a regime critical for MAVs. Students will engage in cutting-edge research at the intersection of aerospace engineering, fluid mechanics, mechanical engineering, and computational physics.

Hosted by the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment, the research will involve advanced computational modeling, simulation, and experimental validation of morphing wing concepts. The aim is to optimize flight performance and efficiency by mimicking the dynamic deformation mechanisms found in bat wings. This work has potential applications in next-generation MAVs for surveillance, environmental monitoring, and robotics.

Applicants should possess a strong background in aerospace or mechanical engineering, physics, or a closely related field. Experience in fluid mechanics, computational physics, or aerodynamics is highly desirable, and proficiency in relevant software tools will be beneficial. International candidates may need to demonstrate English language proficiency.

Funding details are not specified; applicants are encouraged to check the university website or contact the supervisor for updates. The application deadline is 4 March 2026. Interested candidates should prepare a CV, academic transcripts, and a personal statement, and apply via the Kingston University portal. For further information, the project link provides additional details.