PhD position in noise modelling and auralization for electric and hybrid-electric propulsion systems

PhD position in noise modelling and auralization for electric and hybrid-electric propulsion systems

Job description

Aircraft noise is one of the main issues faced by the aerospace industry. Several near-future technologies are arising to enable a more sustainable form of air transportation. One of these near-future technologies is based on propeller-driven aircraft powered by electric propulsion. Since the noise footprints of these aircraft are expected to be substantially different from current commercial aircraft, a significant advancement in noise modelling capabilities is required to predict future noise exposure around airports and nearby-airport resident noise perception. This urgent need drives the development of noise prediction methods for near-future concepts, such as electric airliners and eVTOL vehicles, which rely on modelling distributed propulsion and rotor-airframe interaction effects. Within this context, the PhD position will focus on noise source modelling, utilizing existing propagation models.

To validate and steer the model developments, a significant portion of this position is dedicated to designing, executing, and processing acoustic experiments. The use of these experiments for model development will require innovative data analysis techniques, such as those from the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Additionally, several interesting applications of the modelling results are foreseen, including drafting recommendations for appropriate methods of noise quantification, and the implementation of the noise modelling for the purpose of auralization to be tested in a psychoacoustic laboratory experiment.

Your required profile:

• MSc Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Acoustical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering with specialization in aeronautics;

• Strong background in physics and mathematics, ideally knowledge in acoustics;

• Strong background in programming, using MATLAB and/or Python or other relevant professional IT-languages;

• Ability to learn independently and passion for research;

• Strong communication skills in English and Dutch;

• Team player, open to discussion and constructive criticism;

• Previous involvement in scientific research is a plus.​​​​​​​

What do we offer?

Royal NLR has been an ambitious knowledge institution for applied research for over 100 years. Our work involves finding and developing innovative solutions to complex challenges in aerospace, both in our own country and abroad. Working at NLR means working in a national and international high-tech environment. Collaboration and involvement are of paramount importance to us. By giving you freedom and personal responsibility, you are best able to achieve groundbreaking innovations. You can further develop yourself professionally in obtaining your PhD. NLR has good contacts with universities.

In addition to all this, we offer:

• 45 days off (with full-time employment) so that you can also fully enjoy your free time in addition to your challenging job;

• A fixed end-of-year bonus of 8%;

• A contribution towards your healthcare costs;

• Extra paid parental leave;

• The possibility to work from home;

• Technical challenge and autonomy.

Your new working environment:

This four-year PhD position is part of the Dutch Aviation Systems Analysis Lab (DASAL project), a flagship collaboration between Royal NLR and TU Delft, funded through the Dutch national growth fund under the ‘Luchtvaart in Transitie’ programme. DASAL serves as a living lab for developing integrated models and simulations to support innovation throughout the Dutch aviation sector and public policy. Within this unique ecosystem, you will join a diverse and interdisciplinary team of PhD candidates, postdocs and experts from NLR and TU Delft to analyse the complex interactions between sustainability, economics, and societal impact in aviation.

The initial phase of the PhD project will be undertaken at the NLR facilities in Marknesse, with the subsequent phase taking place in Amsterdam.

What does working at NLR mean?

Royal NLR has been a knowledge organization with the will and ambition to innovate for over 100 years. Based on that motivation, we make the world of aviation and space travel safer, more sustainable, more efficient and effective and stand for groundbreaking innovations. We employ more than 950 passionate professionals, from aircraft engineers to psychologists and from mathematicians to application experts. NLR stands for an inclusive and diverse organization where everyone feels welcome, safe, valued and respected.

Want to know more?

Call or mail Pien Moller (recruiter) via 0611443915 or pien.moller@nlr.nl

For this position, obtaining a Verklaring Omtrent Gedrag (VOG) are prerequisites for employment. More information about the VOG (screening) can be found on the Justis website.

We have our own recruitment team and therefore do no appreciate acquisition.