PhD Studentship: Aircraft wing de-icing using structural wave motion

In-flight de-icing and anti-icing of aircraft wings is typically achieved by thermal means, either by bleeding hot air from the engines or through electrical heating, both of which are power consuming and limited in their applicability. The University of Southampton is currently collaborating with Ultra Electronics Ltd, who are the leading supplier of electrical ice protection systems, to develop a new low power technique based on structural acoustics. Dynamic actuators are used to generate waves in the wing structure so as to create large stresses at the wing-ice interface causing the ice to break off.

The primary aims of this PhD project will be to improve our models of the electromechanical system comprising the wing structure and the actuator and to provide experimental validation of the models through laboratory tests. Through improved models the system can then be better optimised for de-icing performance given various physical constraints. The project will also provide academic support for ongoing development of the technique for implementation on representative aircraft structures.

You should have a good degree in acoustical, aerospace or mechanical engineering, strong analytical skills and be a methodical experimentalist. Competence in Matlab and/or signal processing would be advantageous but are not essential.

This PhD project will be funded as part of the UK governments new Industrial Strategy. The scholarship will cover full UK fees and a stipend of between £16k and £18k per year depending on academic qualifications.

Technical support for the project will be provided by Ultra Electronics Ltd.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr Tim Waters, Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, Email: tpw@isvr.soton.ac.uk, Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 4979.