CENTRALE LYON - PhD Numerical simulation of wind turbine noise propagation in the environment a[...]

ecolecentraledelyon; Écully; Sur place; EUR 21 600 - 25 200; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

École Centrale de Lyon invites applications for a PhD position focusing on numerical simulation of wind turbine noise propagation in the atmosphere, with three-dimensional effects. The project will develop a reference 3D parabolic equation model, incorporate aeroacoustic source terms, and use LES data; it includes collaboration with CEREMA for in situ validation. Directed by D. Dragna at LMFA and co-supervised by R.

J. A. M.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent in acoustics, mechanical engineering, physics, or related field.
• Experience: none required.
• Knowledge in acoustics, fluid mechanics, aeroacoustics, and numerical methods.
• Hands-on experience with computing in C/C++, Fortran, Python; excellent English communication.
• Autonomy, curiosity, initiative, and good interpersonal communication.

Responsabilités

• Develop a reference 3D numerical model for wind turbine noise propagation.
• Validate the model against test cases and CEREMA measurements.
• Investigate three-dimensional propagation effects and provide operational recommendations.

Connaissances

C/C++

Fortran

Python

English communication

Formation

Master’s degree in acoustics/engineering/physics

Description du poste

Overview

École Centrale de Lyon is a founding member of the Centrale network. The following PhD position focuses on numerical simulation of wind turbine noise propagation in the atmosphere, accounting for three-dimensional effects.

Description of the work

The objectives of the PhD are threefold.

• First, develop a reference numerical model for the propagation of wind turbine noise in the atmosphere. The model will be based on a 3D parabolic equation using a formulation adapted to sound propagation in a moving and inhomogeneous atmosphere. It will incorporate an aeroacoustic source model for the wind turbine and integrate data from large-eddy simulations for the atmospheric flow.

• Second, once the model is validated on test cases, perform comparisons with in situ measurements from a wind farm in collaboration with CEREMA.

• Third, apply the model to investigate three-dimensional propagation effects arising in wind turbine noise context, including the effect of the three-dimensional flow around the wind turbine.

These results will be used to provide recommendations to improve operational models employed in noise assessment studies for wind farms.

References

[1] M. Pawlaczyk-Łuszczyńska, K. Zaborowski, A. Dudarewicz, M. Zamojska-Daniszewska, and M. Waszkowska. Response to noise emitted by wind farms in people living in nearby areas. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2018.

[2] L. Hanna, L. Feinberg, J. Brown-Saracino, F. Bennet, R. May, and J. Köppel. Results of IEA wind adaptive management white paper. Technical report, International Energy Agency Wind Implementing Agreement, 2016.

[3] Colas, J., Emmanuelli, A., Dragna, D., Blanc-Benon, P., Cotté, B. & Stevens, R.J.A.M., 2024, Impact of a two-dimensional steep hill on wind turbine noise propagation, Wind Energy Science, 9, 1869-1884.

[4] R. J. A. M. Stevens, D. F. Gayme, and C. Meneveau. Effects of turbine spacing on the power output of extended wind-farms. Wind Energy, 19(2) :359–370, 2015.

[5] W. Z. Shen, W. J. Zhu, E. Barlas, and Y. Li. Advanced flow and noise simulation method for windfarm assessment in complex terrain. Renewable Energy, 143 :1812–1825, 2019.

[6] B. Kayser, Gauvreau B, and D. Ecotière. Sensitivity analysis of a parabolic equation model to ground impedance and surface roughness for wind turbine noise. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 146(5) :3222–3231, 2019.

[7] H. Bommidala, J. Colas, A. Emmanuelli, D. Dragna, C. Khodr, B. Cotté, and R. J.A.M. Stevens. Three-dimensional effects of the wake on wind turbine sound propagation using parabolic equation. Journal of Sound and Vibration, 608 :119036, 2025.

[8] V. E. Ostashev, J. Colas, D. Dragna, and D. K. Wilson. Phase-preserving narrow- and wide-angle parabolic equations for sound propagation in moving media. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 155(2) :1086–1102, 02 2024.

[9] Tian, Y. and Cotté, B.: Wind Turbine Noise Modeling Based on Amiet’s Theory: Effects of Wind Shear and Atmospheric Turbulence, Acta Acust. united Ac., 102, 626–639.

[10] PIBE project, Database from the long-term measurement campaign, cerema-med.shinyapps.io/pibe-app/

Required skills / qualifications

• Diplomas: master’s degree or equivalent (engineering diploma) in acoustics, mechanical engineering, physics, or a related field.

• Experience: none required.

• Knowledge required: background in acoustics, fluid mechanics, aeroacoustics, and numerical methods.

• Operational skills: hands-on experience with computing in C/C++, Fortran, Python, or similar programming languages; excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

• Behavioural skills: autonomy, curiosity, initiative, and ease of interpersonal communication.

Work context / environment

This PhD work is within the French project EOPE (Évaluation des modèles Opérationnels pour la Prévision du bruit des Éoliennes en environnement réaliste) funded by the French agency for ecological transition ADEME. EOPE is a collaborative project between Centrale Lyon, CEREMA, and University of Twente, which aims to develop a reference numerical model for wind turbine noise propagation and to provide recommendations to improve the operational models used in engineering consultancies.

The PhD will be directed by D. Dragna, assistant professor at LMFA, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, and co-supervised by R. J. A. M. Stevens, professor at the University of Twente.

Recruitment process

• The recruitment process takes place in two stages, supervised by a recruitment committee, in accordance with Centrale Lyon's OTMR policy.

• Study of the written application: CV, cover letter, and academic transcript

• Selection interview: in person or by videoconference

Recruitment timetable

• Application deadline: June 15, 2026

• Selected candidates will be interviewed until June 22, 2026

• Ranked list of candidates: June 26, 2026

Selection criteria

Relevance to the job profile