PhD Research Studentships

Probabilistic Simulation for Airport Airside Operations: Uncertainty Quantification and Optimisation

Supervisor: Xinwei WANG
Apply by:31 March 2025
Start in:September (Semester 1)

Description

With the growing complexity of airport operations and the increasing demand for efficiency and sustainability, this PhD project aims to develop a probabilistic simulation platform for airport airside operations, focusing on uncertainty quantification (UQ) and optimisation. Airport airside operations, such as aircraft taxiing and runway scheduling, are influenced by various uncertain factors, including weather conditions and traffic flows. The project will develop a probabilistic framework to quantify these uncertainties and apply advanced optimisation algorithms to improve operational efficiency. By simulating and predicting real-time operations in a probabilistic simulation environment, this research will offer solutions to reduce delays, minimise fuel consumption, and enhance decision-making processes. The project aligns with the wider goals of decarbonisation and the efficient use of airport infrastructure, supporting a sustainable aviation future.

Key research questions to be addressed:

  • How can uncertainties in airside operations be effectively modelled within a probabilistic simulation framework?
  • What are the primary sources of operational uncertainty, and how can they be incorporated into decision-making processes?
  • How can optimisation algorithms be developed to account for uncertainty in real-time airside operations?
  • Can predictive models improve operational efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of airside operations?

This project will address these questions by developing new techniques for UQ and optimisation, leveraging real and synthetic operational data. The goal is to create a framework that enhances decision-making capabilities in dynamic and uncertain environments, leading to more efficient airport operations.

The project will be funded by EPSRC IDLA studentship including enhanced payment by up to free-tax 2,500 GBP p.a more (on top of a standard free tax salary 20,622 GBP p.a) for four years, and at least 3 months of industrial placement at National Air Traffic Services.

Funding

Funded by: EPSRC
Funded by: EPSRC
This EPSRC DTP studentship is fully funded and includes a 3.5 years stipend (currently set at the 2024/25 stipend rate of £21,237 pa) and 3 years fees at the home level.

Eligibility

  • The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
  • If English is not your first language, you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of minimum score of 6.0 in each of Writing, Listening, Reading and Speaking).
  • Candidates are expected to start in September (Semester 1).

Contact

For informal enquiries about this opportunity, please contact Xinwei WANG.

Apply

Start an application for this studentship and for entry onto the PhD Aerospace Engineering full-time programme (Semester 1 / September start):

Apply Now »

Please be sure to quote the reference "SEMS-PHD-657" to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.

Keywords:Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Machine Learning, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Engineering Mathematics, Mathematical Modelling, Probability, Statistics