Nanofluids: Modelling hydrodynamic transport at the molecular scale at Aberdeen University on FindAPhD.com

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Dr M N Campbell-Bannerman, Dr J Derksen Applications accepted all year round Self-Funded PhD Students Only

About the Project

Nanofluids are suspensions of nano-sized solid particles used to enhance the heat transfer properties of fluids. The small size of the particles avoids the typical drawbacks of solid suspensions and can yield massive enhancements of the thermal conductivity (e.g., 40% increases for only 0.3% nanoparticles by volume). Current understanding falls short of explaining these effects and yet nanofluids hold the potential to revolutionise all industries, including refining and power generation, by dramatically increasing thermal performance. This project explores a new framework that allows nanofluids to be designed and optimised. It uses a unique hybrid kinetic-theory/hydrodynamics model which integrates all critical scales of the problem, from the molecular to the hydrodynamic scale. This allows us to understand the transport of heat through nanofluids at the molecular scale and allows a universal description of nanofluids. The successful student applicant will design and test new microfluidic devices to exploit commercial applications of nanofluids. They will also explore the optimisation of nanofluid formulations via nanoparticle material and base-fluid selection.

The project will also test the limitations of the hybrid model by carrying out exploratory non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations to directly simulate hydrodynamic transport at the nanoscale. These will be carried out using the DynamO simulation package (http://www.dynamomd.org) which is developed here at Aberdeen.

The student will be trained in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) as well as Molecular Dynamics (MD) techniques. They will have the opportunity to develop their own computational codes; however, existing software developed within the group is readily available.

The successful candidate should have, or expect to have, an Honours Degree at 2.1 or above (or equivalent) in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science.

Essential Background: Some experience in programming and computational problems.

Knowledge of: Programming, basic physics, algorithms and calculus to undergraduate level.

Funding Notes

This project is for self-funded students only. There is no funding attached to this project. The successful applicant will be expected to pay Tuition Fees and living expenses, from their own resources, for the duration of study.

References

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

This project is advertised in relation to the research areas of the discipline of Engineering. Formal applications can be completed online: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply. You should apply for Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering, to ensure that your application is passed to the correct College for processing.

NOTE CLEARLY THE NAME OF THE SUPERVISOR AND EXACT PROJECT TITLE YOU WISH TO BE CONSIDERED FOR ON THE APPLICATION FORM. Applicants are limited to applying for a maximum of 2 projects. Any further applications received will be automatically withdrawn.

Informal inquiries can be made to Dr M Campbell Bannerman (m.campbellbannerman@abdn.ac.uk) with a copy of your curriculum vitae and cover letter. All general enquiries should be directed to the Graduate School Admissions Unit (cpsgrad@abdn.ac.uk).

Where will I study?

Aberdeen University

The University of Aberdeen is the fifth oldest university in the UK and boasts over 500 years of research and teaching excellence.

Nanofluids: Modelling hydrodynamic transport at the molecular scale

Aberdeen University School of Engineering