About the Project
Supervisors: Dr Jack Lawrence, Dr Elias Arcondoulis
Characterising the sound fields measured both inside and outside of aeroengines is essential to support the understanding, prediction and mitigation of future noisy designs. Several challenges exist regarding the design and installation of suitable sensors (e.g., dynamic range and phase response) as well as the calibration, data streaming and signal quality assessment of large-channel-count arrays. Improvements are also required to the signal processing beamforming algorithms required to…
reconstruct the true location, amplitude and directivity of a source when the measured signal has been subjected to decorrelating effects (e.g., flow turbulence scattering, reverberation). This project aims to design, build and test a specific array and beamforming algorithm to support an upcoming Rolls-Royce aeroengine test.
Microphone array measurements are a key technology in the field of aeroacoustics to localise and quantify acoustic sources. Characterising the tonal sound fields generated by rotating components measured by surface-mounted sensors both inside and outside of an aeroengine within a reverberant wind tunnel is a particularly challenging task due to various signal decorrelating effects, including reverberation and turbulent flow-acoustic boundary layer interaction.
In this project, you will develop custom in-duct and on-wall wind tunnel microphone arrays and algorithms to reconstruct the true source levels and far-field directivity of Rolls-Royce’s next generation Ultra-High-Bypass-Ratio turbofan aeroengine.
This PhD project will be hosted within the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) in Propulsion Systems Noise at the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research at the University of Southampton. The UTC is a world-leading hub for aeroacoustics research, offering close collaboration with the global Rolls-Royce noise engineering team in the UK and Germany. This provides a unique opportunity to contribute to real-world challenges and make a tangible impact on the future of quieter, more sustainable aviation.
You will benefit from a dynamic research environment at ISVR, with access to specialist facilities and a vibrant postgraduate community.
You will have opportunity to attend international conferences, workshops and training events, and to engage with researchers and industry experts.
You will be able to attend taught MSc modules on sound, vibration and signal processing.
Entry requirements
You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent in a general area of engineering or mathematics, or a closely related discipline.
Essential skills for development of data analysis codes and subsequent model synthesis:
- a strong mathematical fundation
- computing knowledge (e.g., MATLAB, PYTHON etc.)
Desirable that you have an interest or some experience in:
- carrying out experimental work
- developing or using analytical methods
- using computational models
Fees and funding
We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students. Horizon Europe fee waivers automatically cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students.
Competition-based Presidential Bursaries from the University cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants.
Competition-based studentships offered by our schools typically cover UK-level tuition fees and a stipend for living costs for top-ranked applicants.
Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.
For more information, please visit our postgraduate research funding pages.
How to apply
You need to:
- choose programme type (Research), 2027/28, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- select Full time or Part time
- choose the relevant PhD Engineering & the Environment (7175)
- add name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application
Applications should include:
- your CV (resumé)
- 2 academic references
- degree transcripts to date
- English language qualification (if applicable)
Contact us
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
If you have a general question, doctoralcollege-admissions@soton.ac.uk
Project leader
For an initial conversation, j.lawrence@soton.ac.uk.
The School of Engineering is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.