Applications are invited for a 4-year PhD studentship starting in Autumn 2021 as part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Aerosol Science.
Project Description
Machining is probably the most used manufacturing process for producing precision parts used in aerospace, automotive and consumer product industries. High temperatures are generated during machining high performance alloys which need to be controlled. Currently, water-based coolants are used which are hazardous to the environment and their use and disposal are highly regulated.
This is an exciting PhD research project to computationally and experimentally, investigate a novel electrohydrodynamic atomisation of vegetable oil lubricant aerosol as an environmentally friendly alternative to the state-of-the-art for reducing friction and improving heat transfer in machining. As droplets pass through an electric field, they collect electrons and become electrically charged. When the repulsion forces between the electros become larger than the surface tension of the liquid, the droplets undergo a Coulomb fission bursting into smaller droplets.
Using this method, a minuscule amount of vegetable oil is atomised using a high voltage electric field and used for lubricating and cooling the cutting zone eliminating the need for water-based coolants. Smaller droplet dimensions can potentially improve convective heat transfer and penetration resulting in enhanced cooling and lubrication. The enhanced cooling and lubrication can reduce the cutting tool consumption which consists of materials and alloys such as cobalt which are in high demand in other sectors.
About the CDT in Aerosol Science
Aerosol science is crucial to disciplines as broad ranging as transmission of disease, drug delivery to the lungs, climate change, energy and combustion science, novel materials, and consumer and agricultural products.
An aerosol is any collection of particles dispersed in a gas. The CDT brings together a multi-disciplinary team of 80 post-graduate students and academics from 7 UK universities spanning the physical, environmental and health sciences, and engineering. Our aim is to tackle the global challenges in which aerosol science is key.
Doctoral Training in Aerosol Science
During your doctorate, you will learn to research in diverse multidisciplinary teams, gain an advanced understanding of the core physical science of aerosols, and collaborate with industrial and public sector partners, equipping you to undertake ground-breaking research in aerosol science.
During the first 7 months of your PhD, you will join the CDT cohort based at the University of Bristol. Core training in aerosol science, research methods, professionalism and translation will be delivered by Team Based Learning. You will then undertake a short research project at your home or partner institution before starting your PhD research. You will gain experience outside academia in a placement with an industrial/public sector partner in Year 2 or 3.
More Information and How to Apply
Candidates who aspire to work in a multidisciplinary field and hold, or will achieve, a minimum of an upper second-class undergraduate degree in any of these areas are encouraged to apply: chemistry, physics, biological sciences, life and medical sciences, mathematics and computer science, chemical and mechanical engineering, pharmaceutical and environmental sciences.
Dr Alborz Shokrani ([Email Address Removed]) would be pleased to discuss this research project further with interested candidates.
Enquiries about the programme or the selection process should be addressed to the CAS Administrator on email address [Email Address Removed].
Formal applications should be submitted to CAS on their online application form.
Visit the CAS website for more information on the selection process.
Applications will close at 23:59 (BST) on Sunday 20 June 2021, although applications may close early if a suitable candidate is found. Early application is therefore strongly recommended.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to furthering issues of equality, diversity and inclusion and are keen to attract the most highly talented individuals from diverse backgrounds. Please see our website for further information on our commitment to equality and diversity.
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