Fully Funded PhD/MASc position – Aerospace Structural Dynamics and FEM

The Aerospace Structures and Materials Engineering Laboratory (ASME-Lab) at Carleton University is seeking a highly motivated PhD or MASc student to join an exciting collaborative aerospace research project involving Carleton University, Concordia University, and Bombardier Aerospace, under the CRIAQ Exploring Innovation research program. Admission for Winter 2027.

Research Project

High-Fidelity Structural Modeling and Reduced-Order Models for Aircraft Dynamic Analysis

Accurate prediction of aircraft structural dynamics is essential for ensuring structural integrity, improving aircraft performance, and supporting certification. While traditional reduced-order models (ROMs) offer computational efficiency, they may introduce inaccuracies in predicting dynamic responses, particularly at fuselage extremities and complex structural interfaces.

This research aims to develop and evaluate advanced numerical modeling techniques that improve the fidelity of aircraft structural dynamic simulations while maintaining computational efficiency.

The selected student will contribute to research activities involving:

• Development and validation of high-fidelity finite element models (FEM) for aircraft structures.
• Investigation of linear and nonlinear structural dynamic responses under transient loading.
• Evaluation of concentrated and distributed mass modeling approaches.
• Development and assessment of reduced-order modeling techniques.
• Comparison of numerical predictions with high-fidelity simulations and available experimental data.
• Collaboration with aerospace engineers at Bombardier and researchers at Concordia University.

Candidate Qualifications

Applicants should have a bachelor's or master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline, with a strong background in:

• Finite element analysis and computational structural mechanics.
• Structural dynamics, vibration, and modal analysis.
• Numerical modeling and simulation.
• Experience with MSC Nastran/Patran.
• Experience with MATLAB and Python is an asset.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Previous research experience in nonlinear finite element analysis, aircraft structural modeling, or model order reduction would be particularly valuable.

Research Environment

The successful candidate will conduct research at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, under the supervision of Dr. Mostafa El Sayed, Director of ASME-Lab, and collaborate with researchers at Concordia University and engineering specialists at Bombardier Aerospace.

The project offers opportunities for industrial collaboration, advanced computational research, technical publications, and professional development in aerospace structural analysis.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit:

1. A curriculum vitae (CV).
2. Academic transcripts.
3. A brief statement describing research interests and relevant technical experience.
4. Contact information for two academic references.

Contact: Prof. Mostafa El Sayed

Email: Mostafa.elsayed@carleton.ca

Email subject: PhD/MASc Application – Aerospace Structural Dynamics and FEM

Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

We encourage applications from qualified candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.