Research Opportunity Position DAAL_1

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, 
University of California, Davis 

Background: 

A wide range of aircraft operate in dynamic environments characterized by unsteady flow. This unsteadiness arises from both temporal variations in the air environment and maneuvers employed by agile platforms navigating dense landscapes. These platforms include helicopters, VTOL, UAVs, and UAM, which differ from conventional aircraft in terms of smaller scaled airframes, lower flight speeds, and increased maneuverability. These air vehicles face significant and unpredictable flow disturbances that greatly influence their performance and stability. Gaining a deep understanding of the underlying physics governing unsteady aerodynamics and formulating reduced-order models are essential objectives. This research opportunity involves utilizing numerical methods to simulate complex physics in various unsteady aerodynamics applications. The numerical studies will be complemented by experimental studies for validation and verification purposes. Additionally, this position aims to develop reduced-order models and design tools that accurately account for the underlying physics and its impact on the aircraft air-loads.  

Expected Research Focus: 

• Conducting high-fidelity simulations of unsteady aerodynamics applications.
• Investigating unsteady flow and airloads.
• Assisting with experimental efforts for validation.
• Formulating surrogate models for aircraft loads under dynamic conditions.

General Qualifications: 
Applicants must possess (or be soon graduating with) a Master's degree (preferred) or a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university or institution in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related disciplines. Candidates should demonstrate excellent academic achievements and a strong background in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) areas. An independent and curiosity-driven work attitude is expected, along with exceptional communication skills in English (both written and spoken). International exposure and participation in competitive research projects are advantageous. 

Applicants are expected to have: 

• A solid foundation in fluid mechanics, particularly transitional flows (laminar to turbulence) and flow instabilities.
• A strong background in aerodynamics and airfoil/wing design.
• Background knowledge in numerical methods, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and finite element methods.
• A solid foundation in structural analysis and design for aerospace engineering (an advantage).
• Excellent programming skills in one or more of the following programming languages: C, C++, Fortran, Python.
• Experience in writing, modifying, and conducting numerical simulations using commercial or in-house solvers.
• Familiarity with turbulence and transition flow modeling, as well as optimization methods, is advantageous.

Expected start date: Fall 2024 

To apply for one of the DAAL positions, please submit the following documents: 

• Maximum 2-page resume (C.V.).
• Transcript and coursework in English, certified by a recognized university.
• Degree certificates or expected graduation date.
• Cover letter stating the position (e.g., DAAL_1) and explaining your interest in the research position.
• One-page research objectives and your interest in applied aerodynamics.

Please compile all documents into a single PDF file and name the document using your last name, position, and year (e.g., LASTNAME_DAAL1_2023.pdf). Kindly note that only qualified applicants will receive an email with further instructions regarding the application process. Please do NOT send multiple emails. Send your application to:  

Dr. Camli Badrya, cbadrya@ucdavis.edu