Project Description:
Astrophysical fluid dynamics concerns the motion of electrically conducting flows in the presence of magnetic fields. Such flows interacting with magnetic fields exist throughout the universe. A widely studied example is the evolution of the Sun’s magnetic field, which is known to follow a 22-year cycle. Solar plasma can be ejected into space, travelling towards the Earth as the solar wind, and ultimately interacting with the Earth’s magnetic field to produce geomagnetic storms and aurora. Key to understanding the behaviour, and a variety of other magnetically driven astrophysical phenomena, lies in understanding how magnetic fields and electrically conducting flows interact.
The traditional applied mathematics approach is to study simplified models that isolate a particular physical process and allow its in-depth investigation. Through a step-by-step approach more sophisticated models are then built. In this vein, the PhD student will build mathematical models of varying complexities to study the interaction and instabilities of magnetic fields and electrically conducting shear flows in the presence of gravity and rotation. This will involve the study of nonlinear partial differential equations that govern the fluid velocity and the magnetic field. These will be solved using a combination of analytical and computational techniques. The student should have a strong background in applied mathematics or a related field and a keen interest in fluid dynamics. The student will work within the Centre for Geophysical and Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics at Exeter, one of the leading research groups of its kind in the UK, whose research encompasses Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics, the Fluid Dynamics of Weather and Climate, Planetary and Exoplanetary Fluid Dynamics, Solar-Terrestrial Plasmas and Space Weather, Theoretical Fluid Dynamics, and Numerical Analysis and Modelling.
The studentship will cover a stipend at the minimum Research Council rate, £16,062pa, research costs and Home or International tuition fees.
International applicants need to be aware that you will have to cover the cost of your student visa, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK to do a PhD.
Entry Requirements
Applicants for this studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of science or technology.
If English is not your first language you will need to meet the required level (Profile A) as per our guidance at https://www.exeter.ac.uk/pg-research/apply/english/
How to apply
In the application process you will be asked to upload several documents.
• CV
• Letter of application (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project).
• Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained (this should be an interim transcript if you are still studying)
• Names of two referees familiar with your academic work. You are not required to obtain references yourself. We will request references directly from your referees if you are shortlisted.
• If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need to submit evidence of your proficiency in English.
The closing date for applications is midnight on 19th May 2022. Interviews will be held virtually / on the University of Exeter Streatham Campus during June 2022.
If you have any general enquiries about the application process please email [Email Address Removed] or phone 0300 555 60 60 (UK callers) +44 (0) 1392 723044 (EU/International callers)
Project-specific queries should be directed to the main supervisor.
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