Silent Owl Flight: Noise Generation by Turbulent Flows over Flexible Aerofoil Trailing Edge University of Birmingham in United Kingdom

This fully funded PhD opportunity at the University of Birmingham invites applications for a project titled “Silent Owl Flight: Noise Generation by Turbulent Flows over Flexible Aerofoil Trailing Edge.” The research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind the silent flight of owls and translate these insights into innovative, noise-reducing airfoil designs for aircraft and wind turbines. The successful candidate will join Dr Zhong-Nan Wang’s research group, 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 have evolved wing features such as feather fringes and combs that enable near-silent flight. Elasticity of the wing’s trailing edge is identified as a key factor in noise reduction, with theoretical models showing that elastic edges can significantly lower noise emissions at low Mach numbers compared to rigid edges.

This multidisciplinary project will extend existing high-fidelity aeroacoustics simulation frameworks to model the elastic airfoil trailing edge, investigating its interactions with both hydrodynamics and acoustics. The research will analyze simulation results, compare them with analytical models, and develop refined low-order models that incorporate flow-structure-acoustics interactions using data-driven methods. The work lies at the intersection of fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, acoustics, and computational science, offering the potential to advance understanding of silent flight and inspire new designs for quiet airfoils.

The PhD studentship provides an annual tax-free stipend of £20,780 and covers tuition fees for up to 3.5 years. Additional funding is available for attending training events, workshops, and academic conferences. The successful applicant will work within a vibrant, multidisciplinary aerospace team in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, with opportunities to collaborate with scholars at Cambridge, Southampton, and Melbourne.

Applicants should hold a 1st 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. Candidates should be highly motivated, able to work independently and collaboratively, and possess strong communication skills.

Applications are accepted year-round. To apply, use the University of Birmingham’s online application system and submit a cover letter, CV, and contact details for two referees. A copy of the application should also be sent directly to Dr Zhong-Nan Wang ([email protected]).

References for further reading include key works on aeroacoustics and silent owl flight, as well as computational approaches to aeroacoustics. For more details and to apply, visit the project page or the university’s application portal.