A three year PhD project (funded by an EPSRC research grant) is available, to be held in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP) of the University of Cambridge. The successful candidate will play an integral role in a wider project considering the prediction of noise generation by large aeroengines for passenger aircraft. The wider project involves researchers at the Cambridge University Whittle Laboratory and Cranfield University. The successful candidate will be supervised by Professor Nigel Peake in DAMTP.

The PhD project will involve the application of a wide range of analytical, asymptotic and numerical techniques to study the generation of sound inside the aeroengine and its propagation to the environment. Particular aspects of the project will focus on turbomachinery noise and its scattering downstream by the jet. Peake leads an active research group in DAMTP working in this area, and together with colleagues in Cambridge has strong industrial links with Rolls Royce plc.

Applicants should have (by the start of the project) a 4-year honours degree (at least II.I or equivalent) or Masters in Mathematics, or in a cognate discipline with high mathematical content. Although a background in fluid mechanics and wave theory would undoubtedly be helpful, it is more important for the student to have an enthusiasm for using sophisticated mathematical techniques to understand real-world problems. The studentship offers tuition fees, (at the home/EU level) a stipend for three years equivalent to the standard EPSRC funding level, and support for travel. The studentship is not available to citizens of non-EU countries. However, the stipend is payable to any EU candidate, even those not eligible for conventional departmental studentship maintenance awards from the EPSRC.

Scholarship Application Deadline: 14 February 2011

Further Scholarship Information and Application