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Prof M Simmons
Prof Z Zhang
No more applications being accepted
Competition Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
Two PhD positions are available at the School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, recent recipient of a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for its outstanding track record in collaborative research and training. The projects are
• Generation of multiplex emulsions in microfluidic systems
• Mechanisms of drop break-up using micromanipulation
These PhD projects are part of a £5 Million EPSRC Programme Grant: ‘MEMPHIS: Multiscale Examination of Multiphase Physics in Flows’, which harnesses the synergy between world-leading scientists from four prestigious institutions: Imperial College, Birmingham, Nottingham, and University College London. The ultimate aim is to create the next generation modelling tools for complex multiphase flows. These PhD positions incorporate a programme of focussed, multi-scale experiments on multiphase flows to validate and update numerical codes. The industrial partners on the programme are bp, Procter & Gamble, Chevron, Johnson Matthey, Statoil, CD-Adapco, AspenTech.
Both PhD projects focus on applications in food, pharma (drug delivery) and home and personal care products and will use optical measurement methods, including micro-Particle Image Velocimetry (µPIV). The first project, 'generation of multiplex emulsions in microfluidic systems’, involves construction and testing of microfluidic devices to produce duplex and multiplex emulsion droplets. Experiments will be developed to determine how the interfaces are created within the droplets which will feed into models being developed at Imperial College.
The second project, ‘mechanisms of drop break-up using micromanipulation’, focuses on gaining information on the fundamentals of filament rupture during drop creation and use purpose built micromanipulation techniques to unravel the forces and topological changes involved. Again the results will feed into model development at the fundamental level.
• Generation of multiplex emulsions in microfluidic systems
• Mechanisms of drop break-up using micromanipulation
These PhD projects are part of a £5 Million EPSRC Programme Grant: ‘MEMPHIS: Multiscale Examination of Multiphase Physics in Flows’, which harnesses the synergy between world-leading scientists from four prestigious institutions: Imperial College, Birmingham, Nottingham, and University College London. The ultimate aim is to create the next generation modelling tools for complex multiphase flows. These PhD positions incorporate a programme of focussed, multi-scale experiments on multiphase flows to validate and update numerical codes. The industrial partners on the programme are bp, Procter & Gamble, Chevron, Johnson Matthey, Statoil, CD-Adapco, AspenTech.
Both PhD projects focus on applications in food, pharma (drug delivery) and home and personal care products and will use optical measurement methods, including micro-Particle Image Velocimetry (µPIV). The first project, 'generation of multiplex emulsions in microfluidic systems’, involves construction and testing of microfluidic devices to produce duplex and multiplex emulsion droplets. Experiments will be developed to determine how the interfaces are created within the droplets which will feed into models being developed at Imperial College.
The second project, ‘mechanisms of drop break-up using micromanipulation’, focuses on gaining information on the fundamentals of filament rupture during drop creation and use purpose built micromanipulation techniques to unravel the forces and topological changes involved. Again the results will feed into model development at the fundamental level.
Funding Notes
Applicants require a 2i or higher MEng Honours degree in Chemical Engineering, Physics or in a related subject area. Specific interest or previous work in multiphase systems, flow visualization and /or imaging would be an advantage. These projects are open to UK or EU applicants only due to funding restrictions.
Open Days
Project supervisors
Career overview
Professor Mark Simmons is a Chemical Engineer and Professor of Fluid Mechanics at the University of Birmingham. He graduated from the University of Nottingham in 1995 with a First Class MEng (Hons) in Chemical Engineering and subsequently completed a PhD in Chemical Engineering in 1999, supervised by Professor Barry Azzopardi, focusing on liquid-liquid flows relevant to the oil and gas industry. Following his PhD, he undertook a postdoctoral position at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign under Professor Thomas Hanratty before joining the University of Birmingham as a lecturer in 2000. Professor Simmons has held various positions at the University of Birmingham, including Senior Lecturer from 2005 to 2007, Reader in Fluid Mechanics from 2007 to 2012, and Professor of Fluid Mechanics from 2012 to the present. He served as Head of the School of Chemical Engineering from April 2014 to July 2021. He currently directs the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Formulation Engineering, which focuses on formulation for net zero. His research interests lie in the formulation engineering of multiphase fluids with complex rheology, addressing practical problems at the intersection of biosciences, chemistry, and chemical engineering. He employs advanced flow diagnostic techniques, surface measurements, and mathematical modelling to enhance manufacturing processes and product performance. His work has led to significant collaborations with industry, particularly through two EPSRC Programme Grants (MEMPHIS and PREMIERE), and he has developed validated multi-scale models for various industrial applications, including catalyst intermediates and personal care products. Professor Simmons has pioneered the use of particle image velocimetry and novel tomographic methods to study non-Newtonian and viscoelastic flows. He has graduated over 50 PhD and EngD students and has published more than 170 research papers in scientific journals, along with over 150 conference papers. His research is supported by funding from the BBSRC and EPSRC, as well as major industrial partners such as Johnson Matthey, Unilever, Rolls-Royce, and Procter & Gamble. He is a Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers and a Chartered Engineer.
Research interests
Professor Simmons'' research focuses on formulation engineering of multiphase fluids with complex rheology, addressing practical problems at the intersection of biosciences, chemistry, and chemical engineering. His work employs advanced flow diagnostics, surface measurements, and mathematical modelling, leading to significant impacts on manufacturing processes and product performance. He has developed experimentally validated multi-scale and phenomenological models for stirred tank and static mixers used in the production of catalyst intermediates, inks, and personal care products. His pioneering use of particle image velocimetry and novel tomographic methods has enhanced the understanding of non-Newtonian and viscoelastic flows. He has led large research programmes, including EPSRC Programme Grants MEMPHIS and PREMIERE, and has collaborated extensively with industry partners such as Johnson Matthey, Unilever, and Rolls-Royce. His research also includes the development of in vitro models for circulatory and gastrointestinal flows to improve drug delivery and health condition understanding.
Fluid Mechanics
Multiphase Fluids
Formulation Engineering
Complex Rheology
Flow Visualisation
Mathematical Modelling
Particle Image Velocimetry
Non-Newtonian Flows
Interfacial Phenomena
Turbulence
Mixing
Microfluidic Systems
Catalyst Deactivation
Kinetic Models
Drug Delivery
Surfactants
Emulsification
High Shear Mixing
Optical Imaging Techniques
Manufacturing Processes
Product Performance
Career overview
Professor Zhibing Zhang holds a DSc from the University of Birmingham, awarded in 2016, and a PhD in Chemical Engineering from East China University of Science and Technology, obtained in 1988. He also earned an MSc in Chemical Engineering from the same institution in 1985 and a BEng in Chemical Engineering with a first-class equivalent from Hefei University of Technology in 1982. Professor Zhang has extensive experience in academia and industry, having served as a Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Birmingham since October 2004. Prior to this, he held various positions at the same university, including Reader, Senior Lecturer, and Lecturer, starting in 1995. He has also worked as a Research Fellow and Honorary Research Fellow at the university. His international experience includes a visiting professorship at Ecole des Mines d’Albi-Carmaux in France and industrial secondments at Granutec in Germany and Procter & Gamble. Professor Zhang is known for his pioneering research in micromanipulation of micro/nanoparticles and the encapsulation of active ingredients, which has applications across several industries, including chemical, food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and household care. He is the Co-Director of the China Institute at the University of Birmingham and actively engages in consultancy and technical services for various companies.
Research interests
Professor Zhang has developed an international reputation for original work on micromanipulation of single micro/nanoparticles and encapsulation/bioencapsulation of a wide range of active ingredients. His research spans various applications in the chemical, food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, agrochemical, household care, and human/oral care industries. His specific research themes include bioengineering, energy and chemical industries, food, health and nutrition, and speciality products. Key areas of research activity involve the formulation of micro- and nano-particles, including microencapsulation, bioencapsulation, stabilisation, controlled release, and targeted delivery. He also focuses on the mechanical characterisation of micro/nanoparticles, particle adhesion on surfaces, fouling (including biofilm growth and detachment), cell mechanics, and cell separation. Additionally, he is involved in the development of micromanipulation-based instruments.
Micromanipulation
Micro/Nanoparticles
Encapsulation
Bioencapsulation
Chemical Engineering
Food Industry
Nutraceuticals
Pharmaceutical Applications
Agrochemical
Household Care
Human Care
Bioengineering
Energy Industries
Health and Nutrition
Speciality Products
Microencapsulation
Stabilisation
Controlled Release
Targeted Delivery
Mechanical Characterisation
Finite Element Analysis
Particle Adhesion
Biofilm Growth
Cell Mechanics
Biomaterials
Cell-Substrate Interactions
Micromanipulation-Based Instrument Development.
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