Postgraduate research project

Faster and quieter? Predictions of unsteady pressure and far-field acoustics of unsteady surfaces

Funding
Competition funded View fees and funding
Type of degree
Doctor of Philosophy
Entry requirements
2:1 honours degree View full entry requirements
Faculty graduate school
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Closing date

About the project

This project focusses on advanced experimental and low-fidelity computations for the characterization of unsteady pressure fields and far-field acoustics generated by water-borne vessels.  

When manoeuvring, submerged vehicles encounter sudden shifts in turning radius and control surface angles, resulting in adverse pressure gradients and flow separation. These changes produce fluctuations in the pressure field that act as a significant source of far-field noise, as established by relevant acoustic analogies. 

This project provides a unique opportunity to push the boundaries of how the dynamics of these complex interactions are measured and understood, particularly for low-frequency events where background noise management is especially challenging.

This project will blend experimental flow measurements with low-fidelity computations, leveraging state-of-art Boldrewood Experimental Fluid Lab facilities. By combining these data sources, you will build robust predictive models for static and unsteady hydrodynamic conditions on control surfaces. This integrated framework will yield insights into the dynamics of underwater manoeuvring and will contribute to the design of more efficient and quieter high-speed underwater systems. 

The Centre for Doctoral Training in Complex Integrated Systems for Defence & Security (CISDnS) is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusivity. 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 or are transitioning into a new role. 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.