Phd Studentship in Magnetohydrodynamic Turbulence in extreme magnetic fields (Funded)

Congratulations on taking your first steps toward a Research Degree with Coventry’s Faculty of Engineering and Computing. As an ambitious and innovative University, we’re investing an initial £100m into our new research strategy, ‘Excellence with Impact’. Through original approaches from world-leading experts, we’re aiming for our research to make a tangible difference to the way we live. As a research student you are an integral part of Coventry’s lively and diverse research community and contribute to our reputation for excellence. With our exceptional facilities and superb support mechanisms you are afforded every opportunity for academic success.

Applications are invited for a PhD in experimental fluid mechanics at the Grenoble High Magnetic Field Laboratory, on turbulence in liquid metals in a very high magnetic field. Turbulence is one of the major challenges of classical physics. Here, focus on the role played by the propagation of waves in the statistical and dissipative properties of turbulence and in its transition between two- and three-dimensional states. This research is of crucial importance for several issues pertaining to future nuclear energy and geophysics, from heat extraction form Nucelar reactors to understanding the dynamics of the magnetic field of the Earth.
The PhD student will be conducting an experimental project during which a turbulent flow is generated within a cell filled with liquid metal and placed inside of one the large magnets available at LNCMI in Grenoble, which are capable of producing some of the strongest magnetic fields in the world. The magnetic field forces enables us to control the transition between 2D and 3D states. In the extreme fields available at LNCMI, the electromagnetic force becomes becomes propagative as well as being diffusive (propagation of Alfvén waves). The goal of this PhD is to use this unique combination of features to reproduce in the laboratory and understand some of the mechanisms that occur in atmospheric, planetary systems and in the context of nuclear energy production.

Before completing the application please contact Prof. Alban Potherat ([Email Address Removed]) or Prof. Laurent Davoust (laurent. [Email Address Removed]) or Dr Francois Debray ([Email Address Removed]) for an initial informal discussion about the opportunity. Application information can be found in our how to apply section.