Flow Control through Acoustic Excitation to Improve Future Aero-engine Performance

This is a fully funded PhD studentship within the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) in Aero Systems Design, Integration & Performance at Cranfield University, in the field of acoustic excitation and flow control. This PhD investigates the effects of acoustic excitation on high Reynolds number boundary layer flows, and the potential to improve the performance of future aero engines through flow control via acoustic excitation. This research programme spans for 3 years and is in close collaboration with Rolls-Royce plc (fully funded by Rolls-Royce and the EPSRC). Present civil aero engine components, such as intakes or low pressure compression systems, suffer from flow separation during various operating states across the flight envelope. Fundamental studies on flat plates and low-camber aerofoils have recognised that active flow control can be achieved via the re-energisation of separated boundary layers utilising acoustic waves of appropriate frequency and amplitude. This project will involve the quantification of the effects of any existing acoustic excitations on the performance of aero engine components, and will attempt to determine forced excitation requirements as a means of active flow control in gas turbine applications. The study will include amongst other:
Fundamental research on the effects of acoustic excitation on shear flow characteristics.
Development of reduced- and/or high-order models to quantify the impact of existing acoustic excitation on the performance of engine components of interest (intake, low pressure compression system, other).
Development of reduced- and/or high-order models to identify any potential benefits on engine performance arising from the active control of separated flows via forced acoustic excitation.
It is anticipated that the work will involve small-scale experimental investigations.