SiLeNT · Silent Flight Enabled by Topological Acoustofluidic Metasurfaces

Aircraft noise remains a major environmental and health challenge, with more than four million Europeans highly annoyed by aircraft operations and exposed to increased cardiovascular risk. Low-frequency turbofan noise is particularly persistent, travelling long distances and being insufficiently addressed by today’s acoustic liners, which are heavy, narrowband and degrade over time. This fellowship will pioneer lightweight topological acoustic metasurfaces that enable broadband low-frequency absorption (20–500 Hz) under aircraft-relevant conditions. By combining analytical modelling, high-performance multiphysics simulations, and experimental validation in impedance tubes, duct rigs, grazing-flow facilities and wind tunnels, the project will overcome the fundamental limits of state-of-the-art liners. The metasurfaces will use graded, multi-resonant geometries within a topological design framework, ensuring robustness against manufacturing tolerances, aeroacoustic variability and long-term wear. The work plan is organised into three integrated packages: (1) analytical and numerical design of innovative unit cells; (2) optimisation and robustness assessment under realistic aeroacoustic conditions; (3) fabrication and multi-scale experimental validation up to wind-tunnel tests replicating aircraft environments. Open science practices, including FAIR data management and The outcomes will support EU Flightpath 2050 and Green Deal targets by enabling lighter, more durable and scalable aircraft noise-reduction technologies, with spill-over potential to automotive, energy and built-environment sectors. For the fellow, the project offers advanced interdisciplinary training in acoustics, fluid dynamics, materials and aerospace engineering, reinforced by international secondments and industrial collaborations. It will consolidate expertise in metamaterials and aeroacoustics, broaden transferable skills, and prepare the fellow for a competitive career in sustainable aviation.