PhD Studentship in Gas Turbine Blade Cooling CFD

Organisation/Company University of Leicester Department Engineering Research Field Engineering » Aerospace engineering Engineering » Simulation engineering Engineering » Thermal engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country United Kingdom Application Deadline 31 Aug 2025 – 23:59 (Europe/London) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37.5 Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Research Topic

As recipient of the Les Booth Scholarship, you will investigate Gas Turbine Cooling by High-Fidelity simulations and Bayesian Uncertainty quantification of Low-Fidelity Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models. By completing this project you will: 1. Gain fundamental insights into the complex mixing phenomena (turbulence and heat transfer) in gas turbine blade cooling using Direct Numerical simulations; 2. Enhance the reliability of predictions by quantifying uncertainties in low-fidelity models (RANS/LES) through Bayesian inference for turbine blade cooling; 3. Optimise high-pressure turbine cooling designs and enhance turbine efficiency and extend the turbine lifespan.

Research Approach

This research will employ the in-house high-fidelity CFD solver HiPSTAR to perform Direct Numerical Simulations (DNS) of turbulent flow and heat transfer in the trailing edge region of gas turbine blades.

To complement the high-fidelity DNS, lower-fidelity models such as Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) and Large Eddy Simulation (LES) will be developed using OpenFOAM, an open-source CFD platform.

Bayesian inference will be used to quantify and reduce the uncertainties in the RANS and LES predictions by calibrating them against DNS results.

PhD Supervision

You will receive supervision and guidance from: Dr Ali Haghiri (Principal Supervisor), Dr Aldo Rona (Second Supervisor)

The scholarship is open to all applicants who meet the academic requirements (at least a 2:1 at UK BSc level or at least a pass at UK MSc level or overseas equivalent).

Applicants who hold a lower second class honours degree (or an equivalent overseas qualification) in a relevant subject may be considered for admission provided that they also hold a Masters degree in a relevant subject.

University of Leicester English language requirements apply as necessary.

Specific Requirements

How to apply

The deadline for applications is: 31st August 2025. Apply online.

Please choose the research project: \”Gas Turbine Cooling by High-Fidelity simulations and Bayesian Uncertainty quantification of Low-Fidelity CFD models\” and make it clear you are applying for this project in your online application form.

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

Research Field Engineering » Aerospace engineeringEngineering » Computer engineeringEngineering » Thermal engineering Years of Research Experience None

Additional Information

The Les Booth scholarship is for 4 years and provides:

Tuition fees at UK (Home) rates*

Annual stipend, (UKRI rate, currently set at £20,780.00 per year for 2025/26)

£2,100 Research training support grant (RTSG) per year

*If you are not eligible for UK tuition fees, you will be required to confirm that you will cover the difference between UK and international fees for the duration of your studies.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants from outside the UK should check their eligibility with the project’s lead supervisor. Not all of our projects are accepting international applicants.

International students will normally require a student visa in order to be able to study in the UK. There are costs associated with the visa application process, which must be met by the student; approximately £2,500 for the visa and healthcare surcharge. Please ensure you have the means to meet these costs before you apply to the programme.

EU applicants who hold EU settled or EU pre-settled status please provide PGR Admissions with a share code (the one that starts with S) so we can verify your fee status email to pgradmissions@le.ac.uk .

Selection process

The University of Leicester admission process to postgraduate research degrees is used to determine the eligibility of candidates. This is based on the review of the candidate\’s submitted documentation that encompasses the application form, a curriculum vitae, additional documentation supplied by the candidates such as a curriculum vitae, scanned copies of degree certificates, scanned copies of transcripts of marks, proof of appropriate English language qualification/proficiency. Candidates should state the names and contact details of at least two referees, which the University of Leicester reserves the right to contact independently. A panel from the University of Leicester Graduate School will rank eligible candidates based on the submitted information in order of merit.

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