Munich Aerospace Open Position:
Minimization of re-entry vehicle heating by shape and
trajectory optimization including a sounding rocket
mission design for experimental verification
Background:
Munich Aerospace is establishing a Research Group “Optimization of the Reentry
with Respect to the Minimization of Heating or Infrared Signature”. This minimization
of heat loads on the reentry body can be achieved by intelligent choice of trajectory
design in combination with an appropriate shape selection of the reentry body. The
research group will address both aspects using computational as well as
experimental approaches.
The German Aerospace Center, Space Operations and Astronaut Training, Mobile
Rocket Base, provides flight opportunities on sounding rockets and balloons for
researchers in various fields. One application that has increased in demand over the
recent decade is the use of sounding rockets as “flying windtunnels” for super- and
hypersonic aerothermodynamics of sub and full scale test articles. The experimental
data that can be collected with such flights is of high interest and superior quality
than ground testing data. The comparison of ground tests and computational
simulation with flight data provides valuable insight into the underlying physics.
In our group you will find demanding and creative tasks within a professional
environment focusing on practical technology and efficient conduct of flight tests.
Promotion opportunity is given for all PhD positions. Female candidates are
welcome. Due to the sensitive nature of rocket data, the position may be restricted
based on nationality. This will be clarified on an individual basis. Please contact us!
Research Topic:
Your research will focus on the design of an optimized reentry body shape and its
subsequent flight test for validation. Special focus shall be put on the shape transition
in the nose section of the body and the flow behavior in this region of strong
curvature. A combination with the optimization of possible reentry trajectories shall
result in a proposal of a minimum heating trajectory and body combination.
An appropriate validation mission shall be designed, prepared and conducted. The
applicability of sounding rockets to reentry flight testing should be evaluated in this
context and the limitations and chances should be identified. The project includes the
design and ground test of the experimental vehicle and may, depending on schedule
and cost, include windtunnel testing. In collaboration with DLR scientists, appropriate
materials shall be selected and health monitoring conceived.
The research thus encompasses aerodynamics as well as aerothermodynamics and
flight dynamics. Active and passive cooling techniques shall be investigated and
compared. Functional and robust stabilization methods are essential for the success
of the flight test mission.
The research project will be conducted in the framework of a Munich Aerospace
research group together with three researchers at Technische Universität Munich and
Bundeswehr University Munich.
Your Profile:
You should have an excellent university degree (Dipl.-Ing. or master's degree, not
older than 3 years) in engineering sciences (e.g. mechanical engineering, aerospace
engineering) or natural science (e.g. physics or applied mathematics). Good
knowledge of high speed aerodynamics, heat transfer and mathematics are required,
experience in the development and application of numerical flow simulation methods
and the application of modern programming languages like C ++ are welcome. An
ability to work independently, willingness of interdisciplinary cooperation and good
German and English skills are required. Experience with sounding rockets and
scientific payloads is welcome.
Munich Aerospace scholarships are awarded for a period of three years. The monthly
scholarship according to the Munich Aerospace scholarship directives is € 1,575 (tax
free upon § 3 no. 44 EStG). Munich Aerospace scholarship holders are entitled to
attend the Munich Aerospace Graduate School and have access to special events
and trainings. An additional grant of up to € 6,100 per year will be available to cover
expenses that are directly related to the PhD project (e.g. textbooks, laptop,
conference travels, MVV card, housing subsidy).
If you are interested please send a full curriculum vitae, a motivation letter and full
academic records including final school certificate to [email protected]
Contact person:
Prof. Dr. Felix Huber
The German Aerospace Center, Space Operations and Astronaut Training
Münchner Str. 20
82234 Wessling
Germany
email: [email protected]
Tel.: +49 8153 28 26 06
Institute website: https://www.moraba.de