Engineering Doctorate (EngD) Studentship
"Modelling & Control of High Frequency High Amplitude, Fuel Flow Oscillations in Aero Engine Control Systems"
EngD Centre in Systems
Managing Systems for Enhanced Performance



Applications are invited for an EngD research student to work on a collaborative research project between Goodrich Engine Control Systems (www.enginecontrols.goodrich.com) and the EngD Centre in Systems.

Goodrich Engine Control Systems (GECS) is a part of Goodrich Corporation. GECS is the world's leading independent engine control supplier for civil aircraft, helicopters and all forms of military aircraft. GECS' major engineering facilities are based in Birmingham, UK, and West Hartford, USA. Products include fuel metering controls, fuel pumping systems, electronic controls, variable geometry actuation controls, and engine health monitoring systems.

Future aero engines will employ a range of active fuel control systems in order to drive down harmful emissions and reduce specific fuel consumption. These systems will require the ability to generate high frequency fuel flow oscillations at the injector nozzles. An essential prerequisite to the development of these systems is the development of a robust understanding and appropriate methodologies for modelling and simulation of fluid control systems at high frequencies. The EngD researcher will need to develop new mathematical analysis, modelling and simulation methods to be integrated with state-of-the-art knowledge of the application domain. These methods will be engine tested on a future demonstrator large gas turbine, developing world-leading low-emissions combustion technology. Further details on the project can be found on the EngD Centre web-site (http://www.sys-eng.bris.ac.uk/vacancies/).

The EngD in Systems is a full-time four-year postgraduate research programme, incorporating taught Masters level courses in systems, management and enterprise.

Candidates for this project should have a minimum of an upper second (2:1) class honours degree (or equivalent) in Engineering or a related subject, with an interest in aircraft systems, fluid mechanics and system modelling.

A tax-free EPSRC stipend (£14,100 for 2007/2008) is available for the successful candidate, and will be enhanced by a minimum of £3,000 p.a. from Goodrich. Tuition fees will also be covered. Standard EPSRC studentship eligibility applies. Please check your eligibility before applying. Non-eligible individuals are welcome to apply, but must be able to find alternative funding.

Information on how to apply, further details of the project and where to obtain application forms, is available on the EngD Centre's web site - www.systems-engineering.bristol.ac.uk

For further details regarding the research project specifically, please contact Dr Nigel Johnston (D.N.Johnston@bath.ac.uk)

For further details regarding the EngD programme, please contact Dr Wendy Daniell (systems-eng@bristol.ac.uk)