Hybrid modelling of solid-liquid flows

A PhD project with Dr Alexiadis would focus on the development of a new modelling technique for the simulation of solid-liquid flows called the Discrete Multi-Hybrid System (DMHS). This hybrid technique is based on the combination of “particle” models such as Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics, Coarse Grained Molecular Dynamics and the Discrete Element Method. The objective, ultimately, is to model-by-models, that is the ability to link the most suitable modelling techniques, as if they were Lego bricks, in order to achieve a complete representation of the system under investigation. This approach, in the specific case of solid liquid flows, allows to include at the modelling level many of the phenomena occurring in dispersed solid-liquid flows and in fluid-solid interactions. Based on these ideas, the DMHS has been used to model various types of solid liquid flows with a large variety of particle types (non-spherical, elastic, breakable, melting, solidifying, swelling), flow conditions (confined, free-surface, microscopic), and scales (from microns to meters). Application of the DHMS to specific cases such as biological fluids, lava flows, cleaning processes or metal casting can be found in references [1–4]. During the PhD, the application of the DHMS will be extended to cases of practical interest such as sand-erosion in oil pipelines, effect of microgravity on the rheology of suspensions, and the formation of clots in the circulatory system.

Applicants require a 2i or higher MEng Honours degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, Physics or in a related subject area. Knowledge of C++ and programming experience is essential; specific interest or previous work in fluid mechanics and/or particle methods (e.g. Molecular Dynamics or Discrete Element Method) would be an advantage.