Applications are invited for a 4 year PhD studentship starting in September 2023 as part of the EPSRC CDT in Aerosol Science
PhD project context
The resuspension of small particles is influential in a diverse range of environmental and industrial processes, e.g., handling of toxic powders, exhaust emissions, transmission of human diseases, spreading of crop fungal spores and transport of pesticides. When considering the behaviour of particulate materials in the environment, it is essential to consider aerosolization and resuspension, in which previously deposited particles become airborne. Resuspension of particles into the air is a complex phenomenon dependent on the interaction between particle morphology (e.g. size, shape, composition), surface characteristics (e.g. roughness, hydrophilicity) and air flow (e.g. velocity, turbulence). The interaction will be modified by physical and environmental factors, which alter the adhesive properties of the particle or surface. Therefore, prediction of particle resuspension behaviour poses significant challenges to the community, and yet is important.
Models for predicting particle dispersion and dilution have been relatively well established, though not for resuspension. Several empirical and mechanistic models have been developed, which indicates that adhesive forces are crucial during the resuspension events. Nevertheless, experimental and numerical sensitivity analysis exploring the ranges of factors is scarce, which in turn prohibits any useful validation of the developed resuspension models. The research will explore how adhesive interactions alter the forces required to separate particles from a surface (i.e., resuspension) using combined experimental and numerical techniques.
PhD project description and objectives
Experimental data for test particles and surfaces will be built in a structured and systematic manner, eventually extending to complex surfaces and particles relevant to real suspension problems. A broad range of sizes will be considered up to environmental particles, the effects of deposit surface topology and time-varying flow effects will be explored. Key parameters influencing the resuspension process and their correlation to other variables will be identified from the carefully controlled experiments and the data will be used to cross-validate with a selected set of numerical simulations. Subsequently, the numerical studies can be used to elucidate the complete resuspension process and moreover be extended to scenarios not easily replicable by the experiments. Machine learning techniques will be employed to learn from the data and develop simplified models, based on the experimental and computational data obtained.
The objectives of the PhD project are:
1. Evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of particle resuspension experiments under controlled laboratory settings with varying particle size, surface topology and flow conditions
2. Investigate the key parameters which describe the particle resuspension mechanics
3. Perform detailed numerical simulations to provide a complete description of the particle resuspension characteristics under a selected set of scenarios, of increasing complexity.
4. Explore assimilation of the collected data to the existing semi-empirical models to improve the accuracy and applicability of the prediction model.
Dr Alberto Gambaruto would be pleased to discuss this research project further with interested candidates.
About the Centre for Doctoral training 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.
Visit our website: Contact us:
https://www.aerosol-cdt.ac.uk/ [Email Address Removed]
Application Deadline:
There is no specific deadline for this project - candidates are invited to apply at their earliest convenience.
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. The needs of individuals will be accommodated during the recruitment process and while studying with the CDT. Further information on our commitment to equality and diversity can be found on our website.
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