Stability of flows on stretching surfaces

Eligibility: UK/EU/International graduates with the required entry requirements

Funding details: Bursary plus tuition fees (UK/EU/International)

Duration: Full-time – between three and three and a half years fixed term

Application deadline: 30th April 2021

Interview dates: Will be confirmed to shortlisted candidates

Start date: September 2021

For queries please contact Dr Paul Griffiths.

Introduction

Coventry University is inviting applications from suitably-qualified graduates for a fully-funded PhD studentship within the Centre for Fluid and Complex Systems.

Project details

In recent years a great deal of attention has been focused on the dynamics of flows over stretching (and sometimes shrinking) surfaces. Examples of industrial manufacturing processes that utilise flows such as these include polymer extrusions, glass-fibre production and the drawing of thin plastic films, to name but a few.

 
Clearly, the kinematics of these stretching (or shirking) processes play a significant role in a number of different industrial contexts. In order to ensure the uniform nature of these processes it is important to avoid flows which are inherently unstable. The goal of this project is, therefore, to investigate the regimes where these types of flows become unstable and to develop passive and active flow control techniques to suppress these instabilities.

In order to investigate the stability of such flows a combination of asymptotic and numerical modelling will be employed. As such, it is an expectation that the successful candidate will be familiar with asymptotic methods and will have modelling experience using either MATLAB, Python or C++.

Funding 

This is a fully-funded studentship including full tuition fees (UK/EU/International) plus stipend (based upon the applicable UKRI rate at the point of the award) and additional allowances.

Benefits

Training and Development

The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills.

All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities. 

Entry requirements

• A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average. 
  PLUS 
  the potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a 3.5 years
• a minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component)

Additionally

In addition to the candidate specification above it is expected that the successful candidate will have completed a Masters level project in the area of fluid mechanics. Computational modelling skills are required (one or more of MATLAB, Python, C++, etc.). Experience applying asymptotic methods is also a requirement for this project.

How to apply

To find out more about the project please contact Dr Paul Griffiths.

All applications require full supporting documentation, a covering letter, plus a 2000-word supporting statement showing how the applicant’s expertise and interests are relevant to the project.