UOL
Measuring and optimising airflow around a drone for the benefit of atmospheric aerosol and cloud sampling
✓ Fully Funded
⏰ Closing Soon
🎓 Computer Science
🎓 Data Science
🎓 Dynamics
🎓 Engineering
🎓 Fluid Mechanics
UAV optimisation
actuator disk modelling
aerosol sampling
atmospheric measurement
cloud physics
computational fluid dynamics
drone aerodynamics
reduced-order modelling
rotor flows
wind estimation
Funded CDT PhD at University of Leeds developing CFD and experimental methods to measure and optimise airflow around drones for accurate atmospheric aerosol and cloud sampling, combining fluid dynamics, modelling, and in-flight validation.
Project Description
This PhD at University of Leeds is part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Fluid Dynamics.
The project focuses on understanding and optimising airflow around multirotor drones used for atmospheric aerosol and cloud sampling. Rotor-induced flow effects can bias measurements, and this research aims to correct and minimise these errors.
Key research components include:
High-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) of drone rotor systems
Actuator disk and blade-resolved modelling
Development of reduced-order aerodynamic models
Characterisation of sampling bias in atmospheric measurements
In-flight validation using particle sensors and wind estimation techniques
Adaptive flight control to reduce measurement distortion
The project is conducted in collaboration with industry partner Menapia UK and contributes to improving the accuracy of drone-based atmospheric science.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have:
First-class or strong upper second-class degree (or equivalent)
Background in Engineering, Fluid Mechanics, Physics, Computer Science, or related fields
Desirable:
Experience in CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics)
Knowledge of aerodynamics or fluid systems
Programming skills (Python or similar)
Interest in UAVs, atmospheric science, or modelling
First-class or strong upper second-class degree (or equivalent)
Background in Engineering, Fluid Mechanics, Physics, Computer Science, or related fields
Desirable:
Experience in CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics)
Knowledge of aerodynamics or fluid systems
Programming skills (Python or similar)
Interest in UAVs, atmospheric science, or modelling
How to Apply
Apply via University of Leeds CDT application portal:
Steps:
Select Research Postgraduate
Choose EPSRC CDT Future Fluid Dynamics
Upload CV, transcripts, and CDT personal statement
No research proposal required
Contact:
Dr Declan Finney – d.l.finney@leeds.ac.uk
CDT: fluid-dynamics@leeds.ac.uk
Steps:
Select Research Postgraduate
Choose EPSRC CDT Future Fluid Dynamics
Upload CV, transcripts, and CDT personal statement
No research proposal required
Contact:
Dr Declan Finney – d.l.finney@leeds.ac.uk
CDT: fluid-dynamics@leeds.ac.uk
Eligibility
UK/Home
EU
International
Supervisor Profile
DD
Dr Declan Finney
University of Leeds, EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Fluid Dynamics
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