Fluid dynamical instabilities in thin-flow film flows: Modelling, simulation and Asymptotic analysis at Keele University on FindAPhD.com

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Dr Shailesh Naire Applications accepted all year round Self-Funded PhD Students Only

Stoke on Trent United Kingdom Applied Mathematics Computational Mathematics

About the Project

Fluid dynamical instabilities in thin-film fluid flows are ubiquitous in a wide variety of problems involving the spreading of a mass of liquid, such as a drop or a liquid layer over a solid surface, or draining of a thin liquid soap film. For example, finger-like patterns are observed when coating a wall with paint or in a soap film draining under gravity, advancing pahoehoe lava flow fronts develop toe-like protrusions, to name a few.

A common theme in the above scenarios is that these spatial instabilities are unwanted. A fingering instability can prevent uniform coating of a substrate or de-stabilise and rupture a soap film. Branching of lava flows enhances its spreading, which can lead to death and can cause damage to infrastructure and buildings. Hence, it is vital that one better understands the mechanisms driving fluid instabilities and develop strategies on how to control or eliminate them.

Motivated in part by the above applications, the proposed PhD project will investigate a model problem involving the spreading of a drop on an inclined surface or the draining of a soap film. These are challenging problems in thin-film fluid dynamics incorporating a complex interplay of surface tension, gravity, those due to surfactants and non-isothermal effects. The main focus will be on the theoretical modelling including asymptotic and stability analysis combined with numerical simulations.

It is envisaged that the theory developed here will provide fresh ideas for controlling thin-film flow instabilities which will be very useful to industry.

Informal enquiries about the project should be made to the Project Lead,

Dr Shailesh Naire ([Email Address Removed]).

More details on the project can be found at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/scm/research/mathematicsresearch/fluiddynamicsandacoustics/#thin-film-flows-(shailesh-naire).

To submit an application please go to

https://www.keele.ac.uk/study/postgraduateresearch/studentships/fluiddynamicalinstabilitiesinthin-filmflowsmodellingsimulationandasymptoticanalysis/

Please state FNS 2021-09 on your application.

Keele University is renowned for its exciting approach to higher education and research, beautiful campus, strong community spirit and excellent student life. The University has the UK’s largest campus with 617 acres of landscaped parkland, fields, woodlands and lakes. Keele University runs its own day nursery for infants from 3 months to 5 years and is committed to equality and diversity. Information for prospective postgraduate researchers can be found here: http://www.keele.ac.uk/pgresearch/

Keele University values diversity, and is committed to ensuring equality of opportunity. In support of these commitments, Keele University particularly welcomes applications from women and from individuals of black and ethnic minority backgrounds for this post. The School of Computing and Mathematics and Keele University have both been awarded Athena Swan awards and Keele University is a member of the Disability Confident scheme. More information is available on these web pages:

https://www.keele.ac.uk/equalitydiversity/

https://www.keele.ac.uk/athenaswan/

https://www.keele.ac.uk/raceequalitycharter/raceequalitycharter/

Funding Notes

The opportunity is open to fully self-funded students only. Please note that self-funded applicants must provide funding for both tuition fees and living expenses for the 3-year duration of the research. There is a future possibility of competitive scholarship awards for outstanding applicants (1st class hons), however, none are currently available. For information regarding University tuition fees and living costs please see http://www.keele.ac.uk/pgresearch/feesandfinance/

References

References
Eligibility Criteria: Applications are welcomed from mathematics, engineering or physical sciences graduates with (or anticipating) at least a 2.1 honours degree or equivalent.
Applicants are required to have basic knowledge in fluid mechanics, and good mathematics and computational skills, and an interest in applying mathematics to real-world problems. They should be self-motivated and have the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. They should be self-motivated and have the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
The opportunities are open to UK/EU students and overseas students. The collaborative and presentation aspects of the research require very good English language and communication skills. Overseas applicants would therefore require an English IELTS (or equivalent) of 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any subtest.