The current study is motivated by a new aircraft configuration, known as the Flying-V, which promises to reduce fuel consumption of long-haul passenger airplanes by 20%. The wing planform of the Flying V can be characterized as a high-sweep crescent wing and is known to have unusual aerodynamic properties when exposed to high angles of attack. As the Flying-V is likely to encounter these conditions at the edge of its flight envelope, there is a need to investigate these properties further. The goal of this study is to improve the understanding of the flow phenomena over high-sweep crescent wings and their sensitivity to geometrical parameters and flow conditions. It is envisioned that a combination of physical and numerical exeriments are required to perform this study.

The proposed project is broken down in the following research tasks, which are each to be completed by the PhD candidate:

1. Prepare a parametric model of the crescent wing geometry that is representative of the Flying V.
2. Perform numerical experiments to study the relation between shape parameters and flow behavior
3. Design a representative wind tunnel model alongside an experimetal setup to study the aerodynamic behavior
4. Perform wind tunnel experiments in one of the wind tunnels of Delft University of Technology.
5. Write conference papers and journal articles to disseminate your research activities
6. Write a dissertation and defend it in front of a Doctoral Committee

Apart from the research tasks, the candidate is required take classes as part of the Doctoroal Education program of Delft University of Technology. Furthermore, the candidate would perform education-related activities to support staff members.

We are looking for a candidate that enjoys doing research and posesses the academic skills to perform the avtivites described above. The candidate should have an MSc degree in Aerospace Engineering (or equivalent) and should have a solid understanding of aerodynamics, both from a theoretical and from a practical point-of-view.

Ideally, the candidate is able to

- independently organize the PhD research

- design a wind tunnel model using CAD software

- communicate proficiently in English

- perform numerical flow analysis using high-fidelity methods such as LES

- setup and carry out an experiment

- interpret research results and frame them in a scientific context

- write fluently in English at a level that is suitable for scientific publications  

Fixed-term contract: 4 jaar.

TU Delft offers PhD-candidates a 4-year contract, with an official go/no go progress assessment after one year. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2395 per month in the first year to € 3061 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Aerospace Engineering

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is one of the world’s most highly ranked (and most comprehensive) research, education and innovation communities devoted entirely to aerospace engineering. More than 200 science staff, around 250 PhD candidates and over 2,700 BSc and MSc students apply aerospace engineering disciplines to address the global societal challenges that threaten us today, climate change without doubt being the most important. Our focal subjects: sustainable aerospace, big data and artificial intelligence, bio-inspired engineering and smart instruments and systems. Working at the faculty means working together. With partners in other faculties, knowledge institutes, governments and industry, both aerospace and non-aerospace. Working in field labs and innovation hubs on our university campus and beyond.

The Department of Aerodynamics, Wind Energy, Flight Performance and Propulsion (AWEP) is one of four departments composing the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering. Experimental and numerical research on a wide variety of topics is performed in the Aerodynamics section. In the Flight Performance and Propulsion (FPP) section the main research areas are: aircraft design, propulsion system design as well as propulsion integration. Additionally, wind energy systems, from small wind turbines to large, offshore installations, are the research areas in the Wind Energy section. The department has access to comprehensive laboratories, equipped with modern wind tunnels and state-of-the-art measurement systems. Furthermore, a computer cluster is available for numerical simulations on complex aerodynamic and physical problems.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering.