Advanced Shape Measurement for Aerodynamics and Flight

Summary

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Research Area:

Aerodynamics; Instrumentation; Sensors

Supervisor

Associate Professor Nicholas Lawson.

Research location

Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering

Synopsis

Future aircraft will have increasing flexible structures, dominated by advanced composite materials. This presents challenges to the aerodynamics of the vehicle, which are closely coupled to the vehicle shape. The introduction of these new materials, also require more advanced health monitoring over the life of the structure.

Fibre optic based sensors provide the opportunity to measure many properties that are critical to the aerodynamics of the vehicle, including strain, temperature, pressure and shape. They can also be embedded into the composite structures, to provide health monitoring of the structure. Shape measurement can now be performed using a combination of fibre optics, mounted into a sensor rod, which is secured onto an aerodynamic structure.

This research project will apply a fibre optic shape sensing system to a number of aerodynamic test structures, including a wing and fuselage. Several different sensor rods will be used to develop a bending and twist measurement system, through a series of representative model designs, tested in the University of Sydney Aerospace Engineering wind tunnels. The fibre optic shape system will be supplied from a research partner in the UK, Cranfield University. Different sensor configurations will need to be tested to find the highest performance shape and wing test, sensing system. Any performance will be validated using an alternative shape measurement method, such as photogrammetry or image pattern correlation methods. If the measurement performance of the shape system is acceptable, it will also be applied to the University of Sydney flying Jabiru experimental aircraft in a series of flight tests, potentially with the involvement of an industrial partner.

Successful candidates must:

• Have a Bachelors degree (1st class or equivalent) or a Masters degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering
• Be prepared to complete both theoretical and practical aspects of the project to a high standard
• Have previous experience in CAD and/or computational methods (preferred)

How to Apply:

To apply, please email nicholas.lawson@sydney.edu.au the following:

• CV and cover letter explaining why you are suitable for this position
• transcripts

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Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is 3480

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