PhD Studentship: Programmable Fluids: Continuum Models for Designing Multi-stable Meta-fluids

Supervisors: Dr Bryn Davies, Maths, Dr Radu Cimpeanu, Maths

Adding deformable capsules to fluids allows for the realisation of “meta-fluids” with programmable mechanical, thermal and optical properties.

This newfound tunability unlocks materials with multi-physical properties not otherwise possible with single-phase fluids. This has far-reaching implications for applications to smart robotics, mechanical computation and energy harvesting. This is a transformational technology, in the same way that metamaterials have transformed wave physics in the last two decades by exploiting multi-scale structure to yield novel, previously impossible functionality.

This project will use a combination of asymptotic approximation and direct numerical simulation to develop novel reduced-order models for meta-fluids.

Background

Unlocking new possibilities: The research challenge tackled in this project is to develop a reduced-order modelling framework that captures meta-fluids’ non-linear and multi-scale behaviour but is also concise enough to facilitate efficient solution of design problems through numerical optimisation and machine learning. There are significant open questions that are a roadblock to meta-fluids achieving their full socio-economic impact, such as difficulties with optimising geometries and the search for suitable non-hazardous, cost-effective materials with appropriate mechanical and thermodynamic properties.

Objectives

• To develop a reduced-order model for multi-stable meta-fluids, released as an open-source software package;
• to demonstrate the robustness of and quantify the uncertainties in the model (including validation against experiments);
• To use the model to investigate open meta-fluid design problems (concerning material choice and design optimisation).

Opportunities for growth

This is a broad and multi-faceted project that will allow the student to develop a diverse skillset. The first year of the HetSys CDT includes a broad array of training on mathematical modelling, scientific computation and machine learning, to prepare the student for these aspects of the project. The supervision team has a balance between theoretical (Davies) and computational (Cimpeanu) expertise. There are will also be opportunities to collaborate with experimentalists, to experience using our models to design experiments and see them in action during lab visits. Altogether, this will prepare the student for a variety of roles in academia and industry. It will also allow ample flexibility for them to pursue their own interests in later stages of the project.

For references see hetsys@warwick.ac.uk.

About HetSys

The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Modelling of Heterogeneous Systems (HetSys), based at the University of Warwick, is an exceptional environment for students from physical sciences, life sciences, mathematics, statistics, and engineering. HetSys specializes in applying advanced mathematical methods to tackle complex, real-world problems across a variety of research areas.

Our research themes span exciting topics such as nanoscale devices, innovative catalysts, superalloys, smart fluids, space plasmas, and more. HetSys provides:

• A vibrant, interdisciplinary student community.
• Flexible, tailored training opportunities.
• A collaborative environment that fosters creativity and growth.

Interested?

Join HetSys and help shape the future of sustainable technology through groundbreaking research. Visit: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/hetsys/themes/projects2025.

Funding Details

Additional Funding Information

Awards for both UK residents and international applicants pay a stipend to cover maintenance as well as paying the university fees and a research training support. The stipend is at the standard UKRI rate.

For more details visit: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/hetsys/apply/funding/

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