PhD Studentship: Next-Gen Wind Turbine Blades: Quiet Innovations with Aerodynamic Efficiency

Applications are invited for a fully funded, full-time PhD studentship in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, supported by Vestas Technology (UK) Ltd, one of the largest wind turbine manufacturers in the world. The studentship will commence on 1 October 2025, or soon thereafter, and will be tenable for three and a half years (3.5 years). The successful applicant must hold UK or EU citizenship and will receive: An annual tax-free stipend starting at £21,795, and Full payment of UK/EU tuition fees. International applicants are also encouraged to apply. However, they will be required to cover the difference between International and UK/EU tuition fees independently. International students will receive the same stipend amount as UK/EU students. Eligibility Applicants will have or be expected to receive a minimum 2:1 or 1st class degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, physics or a related engineering discipline. A Masters qualification is an advantage but not essential. Project Details This PhD research aims to elevate wind turbine blade technology by advancing owl-wing and other bio-inspired designs for noise reduction and aerodynamic efficiency. Key objectives include: Developing innovative serration and permeable surface designs to further reduce trailing edge noise. Conducting detailed fluid dynamics, aerodynamics, and aeroacoustics investigations to understand the mechanisms behind noise reduction. Collaborating with industry on the design of next-generation wind turbine blades. Disseminating findings through conferences, workshops, and peer-reviewed publications. You will primarily conduct research at Brunel University of London, including the in-house aeroacoustics wind tunnel. You will have opportunities for collaboration with experts at Vestas Wind Systems (Southampton and Denmark), and participation in large-scale testing in Denmark to validate industrial applications of your research. This project is an excellent opportunity for candidates who are interested in a fast-track career in Wind Turbine Industry that is allied to an environmentally sustainable energy future, or academic career in the aerodynamics, fluid mechanics and aeroacoustics fields. Joining this project means contributing to pioneering, environmentally focused research within an industrial context while advancing your professional and personal development.

Vestas Technology (UK) Ltd, one of the largest wind turbine manufacturers in the world.