Fur and Feathers: colour, structure and flow control

The objective in this exciting cross-disciplinary project is to investigate the potential of a bio-inspired coating of flexible devices to passively modify energetic modes of an unsteady crossflow and to assess, for the first time, the role of colour in determining mechanical properties. We seek an exceptional candidate with a strong first degree in physics, maths, engineering or bioengineering. The candidate should be keen to travel, spending at least 12 months in Melbourne, must have some prior programming experience and should be able to evidence the ability to work across disciplines.

This project will build on recent interest in the bioengineering field focused on understanding the underlying potential of bio-inspired surfaces for future engineering applications. The role of filamentous structures such as feathers or fur is of particular interest since they exist as both branched and unbranched forms, they are actively controlled by muscles, and their effects on flow are complex and understudied. Colour is known to have a direct impact on the mechanical properties of hairs and feathers, due to the structural role of melanin in the keratin strands that form them. In this way, colour is thought to directly affect structural endurance of the material, via UV resistance, but it has not been proven. Furthermore, ‘structural colour’ results from microscopic features which interfere with visible light, enabling them to reflect a far greater, sometimes iridescent, range of colours than would be possible from pigmentation alone. From a biological perspective this is interesting – which came first and why?

The coordinated response of arrays of fur/feathers to a flow instability is little understood, generally restricted either to the most simplified of scenarios or bulk analysis of more complex cases. The premise of this work is that a large group of flexible fibres to can be configured as a filter, with pre-determinable bulk properties. The hypothesis is the passive response of an array of fur/feathers can be made to either damp or amplify energy at selected frequencies. Furthermore, a smart inhomogeneous arrangement of such structures may be able to redistribute energy across multiple frequencies. The resulting surface would have important consequences for engineering applications where drag and noise reduction is paramount, or for energy harvesting devices designed to extract ambient energy. The parameter space of such a system is vast, and we navigate these dimensions by considering cases arising in nature, where conditions are clearly defined for given species. We will make use of existing data to categorise the structure of a range of filamentous structures for bird and mammal skin that are candidates for flow modification: (e.g. penguin/cormorant feathers; seal/beaver fur). We link engineering fluid dynamics with world-leading natural science research at both institutions, to explore animal locomotion and the link between the colour, form and structure of natural coatings, to find out whether there is a link between performance and colour.

The PhD is 3.5 years long and the start date is. Sep 2024 (Manchester based), January 2025 (Melbourne based)

Eligibility

Candidates will need to meet the minimum entry requirements of both Universities to be accepted and will be registered at both institutions for the duration of the programme. The entry criteria for the University of Melbourne can be found on their ‘How to Apply’ webpage.

Funding

University of Melbourne based

·      Tax-free scholarship (stipend) for each Melbourne-based jointly awarded/dual PhD candidate.

·      Tuition-fee waivers for both jointly awarded/dual PhD candidates.

·      Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Single Membership for international students who require a student visa to study in Australia, when in Australia, and travel insurance while on Study Away.

·      A $10,000 AUD lump sum* to support Melbourne-based candidates and Melbourne PIs for relevant activities, including:

•                Mobility support for the Melbourne-based candidate

•                PI travel

•                Workshop costs or virtual collaboration expenses

•                Graduate recruitment

University of Manchester based

·      Manchester stipend for Manchester-based jointly awarded/dual PhD candidate (equivalent to UKRI standard)

·      Tuition-fee waivers for both jointly awarded/dual PhD candidates.

·      Health Insurance in Australia while on Study Away.

Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) - up to £5,000 per year, plus one return airfare to Melbourne over the duration of the program.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor to discuss the application before you apply. 

How to apply

To be considered for this project you’ll need to complete a formal application through our online application portal.

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, how you’re planning on funding your research, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

You may also need to provide an English Language certificate (if applicable).

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).