Self-lifting air bearings

Funding availability: Scholarships are available for students worldwide, and will be awarded on first come first served basis. Self-funded applications are welcome.
Description: Air bearings have a number of advantages for high-speed turbomachinery, including near zero friction, low maintenance, and fast response. The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Birmingham has developed some unique technologies in this field. Now we are looking for an outstanding student to explore some new opportunities to enable air bearings to self-lifting load without supply of compressed air.
The student will fluid dynamics techniques developed in the group and apply them to develop the new bearings. In particular, the PhD research project will involve the following areas:
• Computational fluid dynamics
• Rotor system design and balancing;
• Air bearing design and fabrication;
• Air bearing tests and demonstrations;
• Publication of research results.
The student is expected have a mechanical engineering background. EU students are expected to have a first class degree in mechanical engineering to get a scholarship. Non-EU students are expected to have the equivalent academic result. Students with MSc in engine related area and publications are highly encouraged to apply. Self funded applicants are expected to have a 2.1 degree or equivalent.