Surface treatments for drag reduction; focusing on addressing fundamental questions on the effect of surface structure and treatment chemistry on hydrodynamic drag.

This project will focus on addressing fundamental questions on the effect of surface structure and treatment chemistry on hydrodynamic drag with a particular focus on textiles.

The project is part of the broader Research Programme with an Industry partner. It is expected that the PhD candidate will work together with the academic and Industry supervisors to generate new knowledge on surface drag mechanisms on surfaces, and to produce results directly relevant to new treatment development work.

The project involves aspects of fluid-dynamics modelling, surface characterisation, surface and textile chemistry, hydrodynamic drag method development and measurements. The project will involve assessment of commercial samples as well as the preparation of prototype samples. The project will involve a focus on textiles and will involve practical use of textile treatment and characterisation facilities at IFM.

A key part of this project will be the interaction between the student and the Industry partner, with continuous exposure to a mixture of start-up company and global industry experiences.