MSc / PhD / PosDoc Positions in Hypersonics and Aeroacoustics

Job Description

The Applied Aerodynamics & Aeroacoustics Research Lab (A³RL) in the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at the Technion is looking for talented and motivated MSc and PhD students, as well as PostDocs, to join exciting fully-funded research opportunities on:

• Surface gap-induced boundary layer transition in hypersonic flows.
• Supersonic cavity flow oscillations induced by three-dimensional boundary layers.
• Aeroacoustics of small-scale low-Reynolds rotors

This is your chance to study unique phenomena in next-generation aerospace systems, from small-scale drone systems to hypersonic vehicles!

Supersonic cavity flows present significant challenges in high-speed aerodynamics, impacting the performance and safety of various aerospace systems, such as scramjets and weapon bays. Current research on supersonic cavity flows predominantly considers the incoming boundary layer to be two-dimensional, ignoring the more realistic scenario cavity flows encountered in aerospace systems with a three-dimensional (3D) incoming boundary layer. This research project aims to study the effects of a 3D boundary layer on the coupled hydro-acoustic feedback mechanism in supersonic cavity flows, providing tools to better predict the flow oscillations and thus improving the design and operational efficiency of cavity systems in high-speed vehicles.

Surface irregularities, such as gaps, are common on hypersonic vehicles due to surface imperfections in the manufacturing process and defects that evolve, as well as part of the thermal protection system (TPS). If the aerodynamic heat load in the gap exceeds the design limit, the gap acts as a localized hot spot that can damage the fuselage and, for example, disable the TPS. This research project aims to uncover how gaps affect flow stability, drag, and heat transfer by utilizing high-fidelity CFD simulations (LES & DNS) and linear stability analysis. The successful candidate will gain hands-on experience with advanced computational tools while contributing to innovative findings and exploring new frontiers in hypersonic aerodynamics!

Small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS), such as quad-copter drones, have become a fast-evolving market in general aviation over the past decade. Once deployed, these drone systems generate a time-varying acoustic signature (noise modulation) that results in high-frequency 'buzzing' noise, increasing local communities' annoyance levels and adversely impacting human health. Currently, there is a limited understanding of the contribution of unsteady aerodynamics and fluid-structure interactions (FSI) between rotor structural modes and the surrounding unsteady flow to the far-field noise modulation. This research project aims to study the causality between far-field noise modulation emissions and unsteady aerodynamic phenomena and their coupling with rotor structural dynamics, potentially leading to improved noise mitigation strategies. The candidate will gain hands-on experience in performing noise measurements in a state-of-the-art anechoic chamber as well as high-fidelity CFD simulations.

All positions are full-time on-site roles at Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel. As an MSc/PhD graduate student or a PostDoc fellow, you are expected to be involved in day-to-day research tasks and academic studies and contribute to the institute's educational environment.

What'll You Do?

• Perform cutting-edge CFD simulations (e.g., LBM, LES, DNS) of supersonic and hypersonic flows.
• Conduct experimental campaigns in the Technion's supersonic wind tunnel to validate the computational models.
• Analyze transition and turbulent flow mechanisms and develop predictive models with real-world implications.
• Collaborate with highly skilled and experienced researchers.
• Publish your work in leading journals and present at international conferences.

Why Join?

• Be part of an impactful project advancing hypersonic technology.
• Develop expertise in CFD, stability analysis, and high-speed aerodynamics.
• Be part of a multi-faceted research project bridging theoretical, computational, and experimental aerodynamics.
• Gain experience in basic and applied research to pave the way to a rewarding career in academia and industry.

Qualifications

The candidate should meet the following requirements:

• BSc/MSc/PhD degree in aerospace/mechanical engineering.
• Strong academic background in fluid dynamics and numerical analysis.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a research team.
• Proficiency in the English language, with both written and verbal communication skills.

Knowledge/experience in the following fields is highly recommended:

• CFD simulations
• Supersonic/hypersonic flows
• Turbulent flows
• Stability analysis
• Flow diagnostics (e.g., PIV, shadowgraph)

Application procedure

Interested? Please contact us at bengida@technion.ac.il and provide the following:

• Detailed CV
• Up-to-date transcripts of current degree (BSc/MSc/PhD)
• Names and contact information of at least two references (support letters are optional)

Suitable candidates will be invited for an interview.

Company Description

Technion Israel Institute of Technology, located in Haifa, is a world-class institute of scientific and technological education. With a rich history dating back to 1912, Technion has been a pioneer in fields such as biotechnology, stem cell research, space, computer science, nanotechnology, and energy. As it approaches its centennial in 2025 – 100 years after the first class took place – Technion City is a thriving world center of trailblazing excellence in research and teaching for the benefit of humanity, with 18 faculties, more than 14,000 students, 135 academic programs, and 60 research institutes. Since the Technion opened its doors, more than 90,000 Technion alumni have played a huge part in creating and leading the ‘Startup Nation,’ impacting the lives of millions of people worldwide.

The Aerospace Engineering Faculty at the Technion is dedicated to the creation, expansion, and dissemination of ideas and knowledge in the aerospace sciences. It is committed to fostering interdisciplinary research and addressing the grand challenges facing our society.

The Faculty’s research and educational achievements are well recognized globally, with the department ranked among the top Aerospace Engineering Faculties in the world.

https://aerospace.technion.ac.il/