METAs-AEROFOILS: Metamaterial Embedded Trailing Aeroacoustic Structures for Quieter Flight

This PhD project (METAs-AEROFOILS) investigates a novel approach to reducing aircraft noise by embedding auxetic metamaterials into aerofoil trailing edges. The research targets turbulent boundary layer–trailing edge (TBL-TE) noise, a major contributor to aircraft noise during landing. The project will: develop multiphysics simulation frameworks (fluid, acoustic, structural) model aerofoil performance with different material configurations study auxetic metamaterials with negative Poisson’s ratio perform experimental validation and material characterisation analyse trade-offs between noise reduction, aerodynamics, and structural behaviour The work will involve: high-performance computing (HPC) simulations GPU-enabled modelling access to national supercomputing resources experimental testing facilities The candidate will: publish in international journals present at major conferences (AIAA, UK Fluids Conference, etc.) collaborate with industry and research networks This project is part of a Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA), including up to 180 hours of teaching or research support annually.

1st or 2:1 Honours degree in:
Engineering
Applied Mathematics
Physics
Computing
or related field
Strong background in:
computational fluid dynamics
aerodynamics

Desirable:

knowledge of materials and structural mechanics

For international applicants:

IELTS 7.0 overall
minimum 6.5 in each component

Apply via Sheffield Hallam University online application form

Upload:

Personal statement (max 2 pages)
Two references or referee details
Degree certificate
IELTS (if applicable) + passport

Contact (recommended before applying):

h.viswanathan@shu.ac.uk

Application deadline: 07 May 2026
Interviews: TBC