Overview
The research will draw on the University of Liverpool’s key strengths in CFD modelling and real-time flight simulation to develop new certification standards for real-world operations.
About this opportunity
The Flight Science and Technology research group at the University of Liverpool has established itself as a leading academic centre for flight simulation research. This project offers the successful candidate an exciting opportunity to join the group and to contribute to its ongoing success.
Research into helicopter flight simulation is carried out using HELIFLIGHT-R, a fully reconfigurable simulator with a six degree-of-freedom hexapod motion base providing the pilot with motion and visual cueing. The crew station includes standard helicopter controls (cyclic, pedal and collective) with a force-feedback electronic control loading system. A reconfigurable instrument panel provides the pilot with indicators of aircraft attitude, air speed, heading and vertical speed, as well as a radar altimeter, and engine torque. The helicopter is represented by a hi-fidelity mathematical model of the aircraft’s flight dynamics and is integrated with the HELIFLIGHT-R simulator using Advanced Rotorcraft Technology’s FLIGHTLAB software, which provides a library of aircraft models.
Many of the research scenarios involve flying a helicopter in turbulent environments such as those created by wind flowing over the deck of a ship, the helidecks of offshore platforms, hospital air ambulance helipads, or a cliff-face in a search and rescue mission. A critical component of the simulation is the interaction of the turbulent air flow with the helicopter flight dynamics model. The unsteady air flow in which the helicopter will be immersed, for example over the flight deck of a ship, is created using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The CFD modelling involves creating a full-scale digital model of the structure (ship, offshore platform, etc) and computing the air flow using advanced fluid modelling software. The unsteady velocity components are then integrated with the flight dynamics model in FLIGHTLAB so that the pilot will experience the unsteady aerodynamic loads imposed on the helicopter by the turbulent air flow.
The purpose of this PhD project is to develop further the CFD methods that are currently being applied by, for example, including the effects of atmospheric turbulence to the modelling and to develop an emergent CFD technique known as the Lattice Boltzmann Method. In addition to the computational study, the project will also involve wind, or water, tunnel experiments to obtain model-scale velocity measurements to compare with the CFD predictions. The candidate will therefore acquire both computational and experimental skills in fluid mechanics and, working with others in the research group, gain experience in deploying the computed air flows in the flight simulator and assisting in the piloted flight trials. The specific scenario to which the CFD modelling will be applied will depend on which projects are prioritised at the time.
The research group has many national and international partnerships, including defence agencies and helicopter manufacturers, as well as qualified helicopter test pilots. The successful candidate will be expected to work with our partners as needed, which may require international travel to meetings and conferences.
Candidates wishing to apply should complete the University of Liverpool application form to apply for a PhD in Aerospace Engineering.
Further reading
Watson NA, Kelly MF, Owen I, Hodge SJ and White MD, “Computational and experimental modelling study of the unsteady airflow over the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth”, Ocean Engineering, Volume 172, pages 562-574, 2019, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oceaneng.2018.12.024
Watson NA, Owen I and White MD, “Evaluating the Effect of Frigate Hangar Shape Modifications on Helicopter Recovery” Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part G: Journal of Aerospace Engineering, September 14, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1177/09544100241282718