PhD Studentship for International Students at Cranfield University in UK, 2014

Study Subject (s): Studentship is awarded within the Department of Aerospace Engineering. The objective of the research is to develop innovative technologies which have the potential to be used in the next generations of avionics and CNS/ATM system.
Course Level: This studentship is available for pursuing PhD research programme at Cranfield University in UK.

Overview

The Department of Aerospace Engineering at the School of Engineering, Cranfield University has a long record of excellence in research and development of multisensor fusion for guidance, navigation and control (GNC), autonomous UAS, performance-based navigation (PBN), CNS/ATM systems. You will join our vibrant multidisciplinary team to develop innovative technologies for future generations of airborne avionics and CNS/ATM systems.

“The PBN concept specifies that aircraft RNAV and RNP system performance requirements be defined in terms of the accuracy, integrity, continuity and functionality, which are needed for the proposed operations in the context of a particular airspace concept”. PBN has a high priority in ICAO and forms the cornerstone for air traffic management (ATM) optimisation, resulting in increased flight safety, improved airspace availability, air transport efficiency and economy, as well as environmental benefits.  The extensive introduction of advanced Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) technologies in the Civil/Military ATM field is reshaping the global air traffic network. However, the international aviation community is now facing important integration and harmonization challenges for the European SESAR (Single European Sky ATM Research) and the US NextGen (Next Generation Air Transportation System) initiatives.

Important research efforts at the School of Engineering, Cranfield University have been on-going to demonstrate the feasibility of future airborne avionics and CNS/ATM technologies capable of contributing to the enhancing efficiency and safety. In the European Clean Sky programme (a seven-year collaborative research programme funded by the EU and European industry), we have been working on the areas of green  4D trajectory operation, navigation/guidance technology, air traffic flow management and control, airport operations and capacity analysis, as well as aircraft systems integration and performance enhancement. Understanding the concepts of operation as well as the coordination roadmap between SESAR/NextGen and the Clean Sky technology developments are also fundamental for the full exploitation of the outcomes of these initiatives.

The research will focus on the following topics:

• Gate-to-Gate Optimisation Problems for SESAR/NextGen with taking into consideration of Clean Sky environmental objectives
• Air Traffic Flow Management, Decentralization and Collaborative Decision Making (CDM)
• Communications, Navigation and Surveillance Systems Technology for SESAR/NextGen
• Performance Based Navigation and Enabling Technologies for “Free Flight” under the concepts of Trajectory-based and performance-based Operations
• Mathematical Modelling and simulation for aircraft trajectory optimisation in the presence of ATM constraints,  including Clean Sky criteria
• Enhanced function  and performance requirements for next negation of airborne avionics and systems
• Advanced RNP systems, RNP VNAV systems, integrated airborne separation and traffic avoidance systems, 4D trajectory flight management systems.

The objective of the research is to develop innovative technologies which have the potential to be used in the next generations of avionics and CNS/ATM system.

Entry requirements

Applicants must have a first-class or upper second-class degree in electrical/electronic engineering, communications engineering, aeronautical engineering or related discipline with aptitudes for experimentation. Good understanding of Avionics and CNS/ATM systems is essential. Knowledge in flight dynamics, performance and control as well as some practical experience in avionics and CNS/ATM systems design would be a distinctive advantage. The PhD candidates are expected to start from September 2013.

Funding

Applications are sought from qualified candidates, preferably sponsored by industrial or government (civil/military) organisations. The studentships are open to all applicants (i.e. including candidates from Overseas). Students or their sponsors will be responsible for the tuition fees, although suitably qualified candidates can be considered for a maintenance allowance of £1,000 per month in the first year and then based on their annual review results.

Doctoral Training Centre

This higher research degree is associated with our Aerospace Doctoral Training Centre (DTC). The Aerospace DTC encompasses a wide range of research and technology in the field of aeronautics and astronautics, including applications in the civil and defence sectors. The research areas range from advanced computational modeling and simulation to experimental testing using large scale facilities, including: flight testing, large wind tunnels, cabin evacuation, manufacturing and high-performance computing facilities.
A tailored programme of seminars and events alongside the generic core skills training programme, provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities with Cranfield’s wider research community.

About the department

The Department of Aerospace engineering is led by Professor Marin Guenov. It is comprised of four groups and two research centres:

• Advanced Engineering Design Group
• Aircraft Design Group
• Applied Aerodynamics Group
• Centre for Aeroelasticity and Composite Structures
• Centre for Aircraft Structural Integrity and Durability
• Dynamics, Simulation and Control Group

There are 35 staff working in the Department, supporting over 170 taught and research postgraduate students.

How to apply

Applicants should make initial enquiries with Dr Huamin Jia. Please send CV, transcripts and a cover letter with contact details of at least two referees to:

Dr Huamin Jia
Lecturer in Avionics
Department of Aerospace Engineering
School of Engineering
Cranfield University
Cranfield, Bedfordshire MK43 OAL

T: 01234 750111 Ext. 5115

E: h.jia@cranfield.ac.uk