PhD Scholarship: Complex Droplet Dynamics

Qualification: Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering (PhD)

Start date: 6th January 2025, 1st April 2025, or 6th October 2025

Funding for: 3.5 years

Supervisor: Dr Thomas Sykes

Project Description:

Droplets are ubiquitous in nature, industry, and our everyday lives, such as in additive manufacturing, the Earth’s atmosphere, and inkjet/biomaterial printing. The key to understanding (and ultimately engineering) these applications is how droplets behave when interacting with other objects, including solid and liquid surfaces - and even other droplets.

While most research has concentrated on simple fluids (e.g. water), most real droplets are formed of complex fluids. This means that they are a mixture of at least two phases due to the presence of additives, including colloids, surfactants, and polymers. In this project, you will explore how additives affect the micromechanics of fast droplet interactions – especially when impacting dry surfaces and liquid layers. Your research will include exciting proof of concept studies and wider exploration to reveal the underlying physical mechanics underpinning how complex droplets behave. The advancements you make will be used to help improve our ability to engineer applications exploiting droplets. Specific research objectives will focus on understanding how microscopic interactions of additives affect macroscopic droplet behaviour.

You will use a combination of experiments with Phantom high-speed cameras (in a newly renovated lab), numerical simulations (CFD), and mathematical theory in your research - the precise balance of which can be tailored to your preference. There will be opportunities to apply data-driven methods, including machine learning for image processing.

You will work alongside other researchers within the Fluid Dynamics Research Centre at Warwick, which organises regular seminars and other events (academic and social), and use the facilities across the University such as in the Polymer RTP. There will be ample opportunity to collaborate with researchers at other institutions (UK and abroad), engage with industry, and tailor your research questions to your interests as they develop over your PhD. You can learn more about our research at tcsykes.com.

Scholarship:

The award will cover the tuition fees at the UK rate £4,925, plus a tax-free stipend of £20,140 per annum for 3.5 years of full-time study. The award rate is in line with UKRI. Please note that the award only covers fees and stipend at the rate for UK students - international candidates would need to personally fund the difference.

Eligibility:

You must have a first-class or 2.1 honours undergraduate degree or a Master's degree (with Merit or Distinction) in a related field such as (but not limited to) Engineering, Physical Sciences, or Mathematics. Experimental experience would be an advantage, but it is not required as full training will be provided.

How to apply:

Candidates should submit an expression of interest by sending a CV and supporting statement outlining their skills and interests in this research area to www.warwick.ac.uk/engpgr/ts/appcv/. If this initial application succeeds, we will invite you to apply for study formally. All candidates must fulfil the University of Warwick entry criteria and obtain an unconditional offer before commencing enrolment.

The University of Warwick provides an inclusive working and learning environment, recognising and respecting every individual’s differences. We welcome applications from individuals who identify with any of the protected characteristics defined by the Equality Act 2010. 

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