Project Description

This is a multidisciplinary research project that combines the quantum physics of superfluid turbulence flows with advanced computational fluid dynamics for flow-structure interactions.

The research is a co-operation with researchers at California Institute of Technology, and will pioneer superfluid flow-structure interactions with are of key importance in technological and astronomical applications.

The PhD student will have access to in-house developed, well-tested computational codes for superfluid turbulence that they will need to develop further and adapt to various flow phenomena; there are many opportunities here for uncovering deep and intriguing turbulence physics, that would feature in high impact factor physics journals. There will be strong interactions with Caltech researchers (including joint supervision) throughout.

Moreover, the PhD student will acquire a plethora of transferable skills including, turbulence and quantum physics, projection, finite-volume and immersed boundary numerical methods, and advanced algorithmics. The computations are going to be performed on an in-house, multi-processor machine offering ideal opportunities for parallel computing. The student is going to be embedded within the “multi scale simulation and theory” research division of the Department, thus, having plenty of opportunities to interact with researchers in molecular dynamics, nonequilibrium statistical mechanics, colloidal fluids, polymer fluids, and reacting and multiphase flows among other.

In addition to undertaking cutting edge research, students are also registered for the Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Development (PGCert), which is a supplementary qualification that develops a student’s skills, networks and career prospects.

Information about the host department can be found by visiting:

strath.ac.uk/engineering/chemicalprocessengineering

strath.ac.uk/courses/research/chemicalprocessengineering/

Funding Information

This project is funded for UK & EU students.

Eligibility Requirements

We seek applicants with strong mathematics/computing background. Experience in the fields of computational fluid dynamics, turbulence theory or immersed boundary methods is a plus. A first class honours degree (or equivalent) at either Bachelor or Master level is required in Mathematics, Physics, Mechanics, Mechanical/Aerospace/Chemical Engineering disciplines.