PhD in the School of Mechanical and Systems Engineering - Hibernating turbulence in boundary-layer flows

Number of awards:
1

Start date and duration:
September 2017 for up to 3.5 years.

Application closing date:
Prompt application is advised as this position is only available until a suitable candidate is found.

Overview:
Hibernating turbulence is a unique form of fluid-flow intermittency which causes the skin-friction drag force experienced by an aero- of hydrodynamic body to temporarily reduce by up to 70% [1, 2]. The hibernating turbulence phenomena will be investigated in a series of advanced wind tunnel and water flume experiments using state-of-the-art laser-based fluid-flow diagnostics.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to interact with the project sponsor and project partners at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (USA) and University of Liverpool.

The applicant will be trained to a high technological standard and possess skills essential for the growth of the UK economy. In particular, the applicant will develop high technical proficiency in experimental fluid dynamics including stereoscopic particle image velocimetry, laser Doppler velocimetry, hot-film anemometry, computer programming, and control and instrumentation.

[1] R.D.Whalley et al. (2017) “Low-drag events in transitional wall-bounded turbulence”, Physical Review Fluids, 2, 034602 (PhD in the School of Mechanical and Systems Engineering - Hibernating turbulence in boundary-layer flows).
[2] A. Kushwaha et al. (2017) “Temporal and spatial intermittencies within channel flow turbulence near transition (https://journals.aps.org/prfluids/pdf/10.1103/PhysRevFluids.2.024603).

Sponsor:
The United States Air Force Office of Scientific Research (http://www.wpafb.af.mil/afrl/afosr/)

Name of supervisor(s):
Dr Richard Whalley (http://www.ncl.ac.uk/mech/staff/profile/richardwhalley.html#background), School of Mechanical and Systems Engineering (http://www.ncl.ac.uk/mech/), Newcastle University.

Eligibility Criteria:
The applicant is expected to have a 1st class or upper 2:1 honours degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related subject, and a strong background in fluid dynamics, mathematics and engineering design.

It would be highly desirable for the applicant to have a sound understanding of turbulent flows, and have relevant experience of collecting and analysing experimental data.

How to apply:
You must apply through the University’s online postgraduate application form (http://www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply/). Only mandatory fields need to be completed. However, you will need to include the following information:
•insert the programme code 8090F in the programme of study section
•select "PhD – Mechanical and Systems Engineering – Mechanical and Systems Engineering” as the programme of study
•insert the studentship code ME040 in the studentship/partnership reference field
•attach a covering letter and CV. The covering letter must state the title of the studentship, quote reference code ME040 and state how your interests and experience relate to the project
•attach degree transcripts and certificates and, if English is not your first language, a copy of your English language qualifications.

You should also send a copy of your CV and covering letter quoting studentship code ME040, together with a short statement as to why you feel this project will further your own research interests, email direct to Dr Richard Whalley ([Email Address Removed]).