Research Interests
Aircraft design, Composite Structures., Lattice Structures, Fluid-structure interaction
Research Theme Members
Areas of Expertise
Aerodynamics, Aeroacoustics
Research Interests
High-speed flows, Electric propulsion, Thermal engineering, thermal protection systems
Areas of Expertise
Lightweight structures
Lightweight, low drag, morphing wing design
Novel strength prediction methods for aerospace composite laminates containing elliptical scarfed holes (top) and bonded repairs (bottom)
Stress analysis of aerospace components
Areas of Expertise
Experimental, numerical and theoretical modelling
Research Interests
Propulsion, Aerodynamics, Aeroacoutics, Drones, UAVs, Supersonic
Current Postgraduate Opportunities
Project Title: Unsteady Aerodynamics Research on Drones
Project summary: You will join a team of UAV and aerospace and control scientists at the University of Canterbury to work on an MBIE funded project (Endeavour-Fund 2021-2026). You will work with Prof. Dan Zhao, Assoc. Prof. Scott Post (Embry-Riddle) to investigate TURBULENCE/GUST impact on UAV unsteady aerodynamics performance to enable drones to be applied in complex environments. The work will also involve developing time-domain CFD simulations (Fluent/OPENFOAM) and low-order theoretical models (such as Newton-Euler method) of UAV unsteady aerodynamics to be used as a platform to evaluate the performance of a feedback controller.
This project is a collaborative one involving research groups at the University of Canterbury (in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and in the Institute of Computer Science and Software Engineering), University of Auckland, Victoria University of Welling, University of Bristol (UK). The overarching aim of the project is to develop an applicable drone to use precision tools towards a low emission economy by 2050. Within MBIE-Endeavour fund, you will collaborate closely with all research teams involved, but you will primarily work on the work package investigating the application of drones with precision tools.
You will have, or be close to obtaining, a Master in the field of Aerodynamics (experimental or numerical or UAV-related field) and have extensive experience of using CFD package of Fluent, OPENFOAM or SU2. You will have some knowledge of CFD and/or low order modelling (Newton-Euler method) and will have had experience communicating your science to project manager. Experience of developing unsteady aerodynamics model and of using 3D Fluent/OPENFOAM are desirable. You will have strong passion to publish scientific results at an international level and also of writing for boarder audiences.
Funding/stipend: MBIE funded project (Endeavour-Fund 2021-2026)
Application deadline: Dec. 31st, 2024
Project Title: Research on combustion and propulsion
Project summary: Aerospace application of combustion and propulsion
Funding/stipend: China Scholarship Council (CSC) scholarship
