PhD studentship in Investigating electric power system design concepts for the all-electric aircraft (UK)

Supported by Rolls-Royce and Cranfield University, a studentship up to £17,000 p.a. for 3 years plus fees* is available

Cranfield University have a collaborative research opportunity with Rolls-Royce, which aims to investigate future possibilities and concepts of an electric power system for all-electric, low emission aircrafts.

Given the predicted growth in air traffic, the demand to reduce the effect the aerospace industry has on the environment (emissions and noise), the increasing cost of kerosene and the technical maturity of present solutions, the aerospace industry is increasingly looking to more radical solutions with the aim of reducing emissions, fuel burn and noise. Examples of more radical propulsion options which generally require advanced electrical technologies include: lightweight energy storage, lightweight power electronics (cryo cooled), and lightweight electrical machines (super conducting).

Working as part of a wider future aircraft concept research team, this research will build on a previous project, which developed a functional assessment for the electric power system design of the all-electric aircraft (AEA). This research focuses on the future concepts of the electric power system for the AEA. The overall project objectives are to:

1. Establish requirements for the design of the AEA systems
2. Capture and structure knowledge from related departments and Rolls-Royce University Technology Centres (UTCs) about the AEA systems
3. Evaluate directly and indirectly related industry standard best practice
4. Identify the functions to be satisfied by the AEA systems
5. Represent the relationships among different subsystems of the AEA systems
6. Produce several options for the AEA systems and develop a process to prioritise them
7. Validate the AEA concepts through expert opinions.

The successful candidate will be based between the manufacturing department at the Cranfield campus and Rolls-Royce in Derby.

Technical Schools Research Students Training Programme
The successful candidate will attend Cranfield University’s ‘Technical Schools Research Students Training Programme’ which is designed to equip students with research skills required during their research studies and in their future careers. This programme consists of a series of one-day events, coupled with smaller interactive group sessions.

Entry Requirements
Applicants should have a First or Second Class UK honours degree, or equivalent, in a relevant discipline such electrical engineering. Strong electrical/electronic engineering knowledge, good interpersonal and communication skills and computer literacy are also required.

Study information

Study duration:

Three years

Study mode:

FT

Start month:

ASAP

Entry requirements:

First or second class UK honours degree

Fees:

This studentship will cover tuition fees at the UK/EU rate only.

Funding information

Funder:

Rollls-Royce and Cranfield University

Value:

Up to £17,000 p.a

Funding applies to:

Other: see Funding notes

Funding notes:

*Supported by Rolls-Royce and Cranfield University, this studentship will cover tuition fees at the UK/EU rate. Non UK/EU students will have to pay the remainder of their tuition fees up front before commencing their studies. Applicants are also eligible for a bursary of up to £17,000 p.a. for three years dependent upon qualifications and experience.

Funding duration:

Three years

Contacts and how to apply

Academic contact:

Dr Essam Shehab

Administrative contact and how to apply:

Please complete the Application Form: http://www.cranfield.ac.uk/students/applications/new%20application%20(%20r).pdf You can request that we post one to you. Alternatively you may wish to apply online: http://www.cranfield.ac.uk/prospectuslinks/course.jsp?course=PhD/MPhil%20School%...

For further information contact us today: School of Applied Sciences T: +44 (0)1234 754086 E: appliedsciences@cranfield.ac.uk W: www.canfield.ac.uk/sas/studentships?id=pgs

Application deadline:

31 January 2011