PhD Studentship: Gravity Current Energetics

Applications are invited for a funded PhD position at the ABCE at Loughborough University. In this position, you will be an active member of the Loughborough-based Fluid Dynamics Group, as well as the Leeds based Turbidites Research Group.

The topic of your PhD will be gravity currents: fluid flows along a horizontal boundary driven by a density difference between two regions of fluid, for example a salt water current spreading underneath a fresh water ambient (see video). These currents exist in buildings as ventilation flows, in industry as spillages of toxic gas, and in the environment as cold fronts, powder snow avalanches, and turbidity currents. As the current flows it displaces the ambient fluid, and at the front of the current fluid piles up due to the resistance provided by the ambient.

Your PhD will address the following question: how do the internal energy reserves of kinetic and potential energy evolve as currents flow over different slopes? Answering this fundamental question will require new insights into the physics at play, informing and enhancing models describing industrial and environmental flows. This will enable higher quality prediction, and for hazardous currents will enable more targeted mitigation measures.

Your investigation of this research question will be principally numerical, employing computational fluid dynamics to produce high resolution simulations which resolve the turbulent dynamics. These simulated dynamics will then be interpreted using theoretical modelling frameworks, with a view to develop of these frameworks into predictive models capturing the full energetics. There is also the possibility to perform experiments with national and international partners to validate the simulations.

Ultimately, a quantitative model of the currents is desired that captures the evolution of the energetics and can be used to predict the effects for a broad class of flows. There will be opportunities for you to develop and extend the project beyond these initial objectives, to study other aspects of gravity currents.

Entry requirements:

You should have a good first degree (at least a 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent) in a relevant subject (e.g. Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science). A Masters (at Merit or Distinction level) is desirable but not essential. You should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental principles of fluid dynamics, e.g. the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations, and ideally have some experience in programming and numerical methods.

English language requirements:

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).

Funding information:

The studentship is for three years and provides a tax-free stipend of £19,237 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus university tuition fees at the UK rate.

Due to funding restrictions, this is only available to those eligible for UK fees.

How to apply:

All applications must be made online via the above ‘Apply’ button and must include a completed studentship application form (instead of a personal statement) & a two-page research proposal based on the project description outlining how you would approach the project & what methods you would use. Under programme name, please select ‘Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering’. Please quote reference number ABCE-ES1-25.

To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents including an up-to-date CV, but a personal statement is not required.

ABCE will use these selection criteria to make a decision on your application. 

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