Multiple PhD Studentship in Aeronautics: Turbulence Intermittency for Cloud Physics - AE0070 - OB

Start Date: October 2025 (but can be flexible)

Introduction

Warm cumulus clouds are aerosols of liquid water droplets in a highly turbulent environment. The interaction between the turbulence and the cloud droplets can cause the droplets to collide with one another, coalescing into larger and larger droplets which may eventually precipitate out of the cloud as rainfall. However, the intermittent nature of the interaction between patches of intense turbulence (that are a common feature of high-Reynolds-number cloud turbulence) and droplets is not well understood. In fact it is expected that classical attempts to model the droplet dynamics in these circumstances will fail. Gaining a better understanding of these turbulence – droplet interaction physics is the key objective for these PhD positions. Note that up to three PhD students may be recruited in this round.

Objectives

You will either conduct high-fidelity experiments (combined particle tracking velocimetry and particle image velocimetry) in a large wind tunnel here at Imperial College London, or high-fidelity numerical simulations in collaboration with Prof. Carlos da Silva at the University of Lisbon in Portugal. (Note that for consideration for the numerical PhD position you must be prepared to spend up to 12 months of your PhD in Portugal). You will use this data to further the understanding of the interaction between locally intense turbulence and droplets which is characteristic of cloud turbulence. Up to three positions are available (one numerical and up to two experimental).

Supervisors: Professor Oliver Buxton

Learning opportunities

You will develop expertise in cutting-edge laser diagnostics or direct numerical simulation (CFD) for turbulence research. You will become expert in turbulent flow physics and will work as part of a large team working on an ERC project (TITCHY) towards understanding turbulent cloud physics. You will present your work to the scientific community at internationally prestigious conferences.

Professional Development

You will have access to engaging professional development workshops in areas such as research communication, computing and data science, and professional progression through our Early Career Researcher Institute.

Duration: 3.5 years.

Funding

Full coverage of tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend of £21,237 for Home, EU and International students.

Information on fee status can be found at: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/pg/fees-and-funding/tuition-fees/fee-status/.

Eligibility

You must possess (or expect to gain) a First class honours MEng/MSci or higher degree or equivalent in engineering, physics, mathematics or closely related discipline.

How to apply

Submit your application via our Apply webpages: www.imperial.ac.uk/study/apply/postgraduate-doctoral/application-process/.

When submitting your application, you will need to use the following details:

• Search course/Programme: Aeronautics Research (PhD)
• Research Topic:Please use reference number AE0070
• Research Supervisor: Prof. Oliver Buxton
• Research Group: Aero

For further information: For questions about the project, please email: Prof. Oliver Buxton, Professor of fluid mechanics: o.buxton@imperial.ac.uk.

For queries regarding the application process, please contact Lisa Kelly l.kelly@imperial,ac,uk

You can also learn more about Imperial at www.imperial.ac.uk/study/pg

Application deadline: Until filled

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Imperial is committed to equality and valuing diversity. We are an Athena SWAN Silver Award winner, a Stonewall Diversity Champion, a Disability Confident Employer and are working in partnership with GIRES to promote respect for trans people.

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