David MacManus

A fully funded PhD studentship is available at Cranfield University as part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Net Zero Aviation. The project focuses on experimental aerodynamics, specifically exploring acoustic velocimetry for aero-engine applications in collaboration with Rolls-Royce. The CDT is the world’s first Centre of Excellence for Net Zero Aviation, aiming to develop future leaders and innovators to decarbonise the aviation sector. The training programme integrates theoretical, computational, and experimental methods, with a strong emphasis on systems engineering and the development of net zero technologies. The studentship offers a tax-free bursary of £24,000 per annum and is open to UK eligible candidates with a strong interest and background in experimental aerodynamics, aerospace, or mechanical engineering. Applicants are encouraged to review the CDT website and apply via the provided links. The supervisory team includes Professors David MacManus, Panagiotis Laskaridis, and Guy Gratton, all based at Cranfield University.

Cranfield University is recruiting PhD candidates for the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Net Zero Aviation, the world’s first centre of excellence dedicated to decarbonising the aviation sector. The CDT offers fully funded PhD studentships with £24,000 per annum tax-free bursaries, focusing on innovative research to achieve net zero aviation by 2050. Two aero-engine related projects are available in collaboration with Rolls-Royce, providing opportunities to work on cutting-edge propulsion technologies and environmental impact solutions. The training programme emphasizes a systems engineering approach, integrating theoretical, computational, and experimental methods to address both technical and socio-economic aspects of aviation decarbonisation. Applicants should be UK eligible and have a strong background in engineering or physical sciences, with a keen interest in aviation and sustainability. The CDT aims to develop future leaders equipped with technical, professional, and leadership skills to drive innovation in the aviation ecosystem. Interested candidates should review the project details and apply online via the provided links. Cranfield University is renowned for its research in aerospace and propulsion, offering a dynamic and inclusive environment for doctoral training.

Cranfield University is offering a fully funded PhD position in propulsion system aerodynamics, focusing on the development of non-intrusive flow measurement systems for aero-engine applications. The project is conducted in collaboration with Rolls-Royce and EPSRC, providing a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of experimental aerodynamics in the propulsion sector. The ideal candidate will have a background in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or instrumentation. The funding package covers tuition fees and provides a bursary for UK students. The research will be carried out within the propulsion aerodynamics team, under the supervision of Professor David MacManus. Interested candidates should apply via the provided link. If the application page is unavailable, candidates are encouraged to use the university's site search or contact the university directly for further instructions.

Cranfield University is offering a fully funded PhD position in propulsion system aerodynamics, focusing on the development of non-intrusive flow measurement systems for aero-engine applications. The project is in collaboration with Rolls-Royce and EPSRC, providing an excellent opportunity to work at the forefront of experimental aerodynamics in a leading research environment. The ideal candidate will have a background in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or instrumentation. The funding covers tuition fees and a bursary for UK students. The research will contribute to advancements in aero-engine technology, with practical applications in industry. Interested candidates should review the project details and apply online using the provided link. The supervisor for this position is Professor David MacManus, a leading expert in propulsion aerodynamics at Cranfield University.

Cranfield University is offering a fully-funded PhD position in aerospace engineering, focusing on experimental icing and in-flight icing phenomena. The doctoral research aims to use optical flow visualisation and measurement techniques to study droplet impact under icing conditions, with the goal of improving numerical codes for in-flight icing prediction. The project will investigate droplet impact mechanics and freezing thermodynamics at high speeds to better understand ice adhesion behavior, which is critical for flight safety and the development of ice protection systems. The research will be conducted within Cranfield's world-class icing tunnel facilities, which are among the largest in the UK and globally recognized for their contributions to icing science. The facilities allow for realistic simulation of atmospheric icing conditions and advanced studies of droplet dynamics and ice formation. The position is suitable for candidates with backgrounds in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or applied physics. Experience with icing, droplet dynamics, and wind tunnel testing is advantageous but not required. The opportunity is open to both UK and international students, and the funding package covers tuition fees and provides a bursary. The application deadline is July 2, 2025. Interested candidates should apply via the provided Cranfield University link and may contact the supervisor for further information. The research group is led by Dr. Abhay Vincent, Senior Research Fellow in Impact Icing, and Professor David MacManus, Head of Gas Turbine Technology Group. Cranfield's icing research is internationally recognized, with collaborations involving major aerospace and industrial partners. The project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to flight safety and the advancement of icing science.