Novel aircraft impact on engine design - PhD

Join our diverse and inclusive team to transform the future of aviation as part of the UK’s EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Net Zero Aviation. Offering fully funded, multidisciplinary PhD research projects across areas such as:Zero Emission Technologies, Ultra Efficient Aircraft, Propulsion, Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems, Aerospace Materials, Manufacturing, and Life Cycle Analysis, Green Aviation Operations and Infrastructure, Aviation Environmental, Commercialisation & Socio-Economic Aspects.

The CDT in Net Zero Aviation is the world’s first Centre of Excellence for Net Zero Aviation Education, Training & Research, delivering impactful industrial and academic partnerships, future-proof skills, innovation, and leadership to achieve Net Zero Aviation by 2050.

This project is set to investigate the impact of novel aircraft configurations, e.g. truss-braced wing, blended-wing body (BWB), Flying-V, on engine thrust requirements and the respective implications on engine design and performance. A comprehensive assessment and down-selection of novel aircraft configurations will proceed the development of a methodology that will deliver mission profiles definition, appropriate for each configuration and business case of interest.

This research aims to shed light on the reasons behind the design drivers for novel engines and provide in depth insight on the interactions between airframe and engine, including integration aspects. The methodology planned to be developed will be comprised by existing methods, integrated novelly, and upgraded to include novel aircraft configurations platform characteristics and mission profile definition techniques that would allow closer aircraft-engine design matching and reduced development time.

This position is part of the CDT in Net Zero Aviation, which offers a modular, cohort-based training programme with emphasis on innovation and impact, collaborative working and learning, continuous development, active engagement with partners and stakeholders and inclusion of student-led activities. You will be part of an annual cohort and will receive training at different universities and industrial partners providing world-class facilities in a supportive, innovative, inclusive and interactive learning environment.

Based at Cranfield University, a global leader in aerospace research, the project benefits from world-class experimental facilities in hydrogen testing and expertise in materials science and hydrogen technologies. The industrial sponsor, Rolls‑Royce has committed to becoming a net‑zero carbon business by 2050. with suitable energy carriers forming a key pillar of its strategy. In parallel, the company is developing a geared engine targeting a 25% efficiency improvement over 2020 entry‑into‑service engines.

Successful project delivery would provide fundamental understanding of how potential disruptive change of aircraft configuration can impact future engine design. The ability to compute performance characteristics of novel aircraft configurations at platform level would allow comprehensive evaluation and analysis of their impact on engine design, providing valuable insights on future engine concepts and associated relevant technologies, while increasing confidence and reducing development risk.

While working on this exciting research project, you will be provided with:

A fully funded 4 year full-time PhD - £25,183 tax-free stipend per year
Attendance/presentations to international and national conferences with expenses fully covered
Cohort and individual modular training covering technical, research, professional and personal development
Minimum of 3 months fully funded industrial placement
Industrial supervision/mentorship scheme
Access to 40 industrial, government & research partners from the wider aviation sector
Access to world class research and education facilities

The student will gain significant insight in numerical methods, performance engineering and engine operation. Given the multidisciplinary nature of the research, the goal is to train a highly skilled researcher in aerospace systems integration (airframe, propulsion systems), system of systems optimization, multi-fidelity models development and validation. Close collaboration with Rolls‑Royce as the industrial partner will further strengthen the student’s transferable skills, particularly in technical communication, research management and stakeholder engagement.

At a glance

Application deadline03 Jun 2026
Award type(s)PhD
Start date28 Sep 2026
Duration of award4 years (full-time)
EligibilityUK
Reference numberCRAN-0079

Supervisor

1st Supervisor: Dr Christos Mourouzidis

2nd Supervisor: Atif Riaz

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a first or second-class UK honours degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline such as aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, mathematics or related fields. Ability to demonstrate knowledge in fluid mechanics, thermodynamic cycles, or numerical analysis is beneficial but not essential. Determination, curiosity, and a willingness to learn are key attributes we value. Applicants with alternative qualifications, industry experience, or from diverse educational and professional backgrounds are also strongly encouraged to apply. We particularly welcome candidates from underrepresented groups in STEM, mature applicants, carers, or individuals returning to academia after career breaks, offering flexible working arrangements and support tailored to individual needs.

Funding

Sponsored by the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Net Zero Aviation and Rolls-Royce plc., This opportunity provides a fully funded 4 year full-time PhD with £25,183 tax free annual stipend, and additional funding for international and national conferences, training and industrial placement.

To be eligible for this funding, applicants must be classified as a Home fee status student. Eligibility for Home fee status is determined with reference to UK Department for Education rules. As a guiding principle UK or Irish nationals who are ordinarily resident in either the UK or Republic of Ireland pay Home tuition fees. All other students (including those from the Channel Islands and Isle of Man) pay Overseas fees. Further advice can be found on the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website.

Diversity and Inclusion at Cranfield

We are committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in our CDT program, and warmly encourage applications from students of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups. We particularly welcome students with disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, and those who identify with diverse ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, and socioeconomic statuses. Cranfield strives to provide an accessible and inclusive environment to enable all doctoral candidates to thrive and achieve their full potential.

At Cranfield, we value our diverse staff and student community and maintain a culture where everyone can work and study together harmoniously with dignity and respect. This is reflected in our University values of ambition, impact, respect and community. We welcome students and staff from all backgrounds from over 100 countries and support our staff and students to realise their full potential, from academic achievement to mental and physical wellbeing.

We are committed to progressing the diversity and inclusion agenda, for example; gender diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through our Athena SWAN Bronze award and action plan, we are members of the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) and Working Families, and sponsors of International Women in Engineering Day. We are also Disability Confident Level 1 Employers and members of the Business Disability Forum and Stonewall University Champions Programme.

Cranfield Doctoral Network

Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the Cranfield Doctoral Network. This network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events, alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.