PhD Studentship: Aircraft Active Inceptor Dynamics under Vibration Loads

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Mathematics and Statistics,Mathematics,Engineering and Technology,Mechanical Engineering,Aerospace Engineering,Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Short info about job

Company: University of Bristol

Department: Aerospace Engineering

Hours: Full Time

Type / Role: PhD

Phone: +44-1235 9686065

Fax: +44-1556 7869750

E-mail: N\A

Site:

Detail information about job PhD Studentship: Aircraft Active Inceptor Dynamics under Vibration Loads. Terms and conditions vacancy

The project:

An EPSRC Industrial CASE award PhD studentship is available at the University of Bristol in collaboration with BAE Systems.

Aircraft with fly-by-wire control systems often incorporate so-called active inceptors (stick, throttle, pedals, etc.) that provide the interface between the pilot and the aircraft control surfaces.  These devices are complex electro-mechanical gimbal systems utilising motors, servo-actuators, torsional springs, linear springs, ball bearings, spherical bearings, and displacement and force transducers – all interconnected via a series of mechanical linkages and a pilot’s grip assembly. The system controls the grip force-to-displacement relationship to allow real time variation in feel characteristics to support aircraft operational modes.

The dynamic response of the individual elements in an inceptor, and of the system as a whole, is critical in maintaining the level of performance required throughout its service life. Whilst the fatigue life is partly driven by the pilot-applied cyclic loads, aircraft vibration loads can be the primary design driver. The effects of aircraft harmonic vibration loads, as in a helicopter, are difficult to assess: some of the resulting inceptor system resonances can fall within aircraft frequency ranges that must be avoided.

This PhD project involves the derivation, development and study of a suitable mathematical model of an active inceptor, which can be used for assessing its dynamic characteristics. BAE Systems will provide a development helicopter collective stick unit and the associated CAD models for this investigation. The mathematical modelling, at least initially, be focused on this collective stick.  Any experimental testing of this unit needed to support the modelling will be conducted either by BAE Systems or within the University. The objective of the study is to enhance the understanding of the dynamics of this candidate inceptor system, including under the influence of harmonic excitation representing helicopter vibration, and to explore methods for ensuring that resonant-frequency responses are avoided. Related topics such as friction modelling, force sensing, and pilot arm interactions could potentially be incorporated at a later stage.

How to apply:

Please make an online application for this project at http://www.bris.ac.uk/pg-howtoapply. Please select <Aerospace Engineering> on the Programme Choice page and enter details of the studentship when prompted in the Funding and Research Details sections of the form

Candidate requirements: 

Good undergraduate degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent.

Self-motivated individuals are sought with excellent dynamics, mathematical, and numerical modelling expertise, along with good communication skills and a willingness to work on an industrially focused PhD. Any experience in the fields of dynamics, mathematical modelling, numerical simulation, systems design, and related topics would be useful, but not essential. Good experience in using Matlab and Finite Element Analysis Software is also desirable.

Funding:

This 4 year scholarship covers full UK PhD tuition fees and a tax-free stipend at the RCUK rate (£14,553 in 2017/18). This scholarship also includes a further £3.5k p.a. ‘top-up’ in addition to the basic stipend.

Contacts:

For informal enquiries:

The University of Bristol is committed to equality and we value the diversity of our staff and students.

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