Dynamic light scattering for transport properties in fluids

This fully-funded PhD studentship is a prestigious opportunity to be integrated into an active network of collaborating international researchers (Edinburgh U, GeorgiaTech, CalTech, the University of Stuttgart, Sandia National Laboratories, Argonne National Laboratory, and others) who are interested in thermodynamic state changes (sub- and super-critical) in fuel jets. This project is designed to investigate the evolution of liquid hydrocarbons at the extreme temperatures and pressures found in modern high-efficiency engines, through the use of light scattering experiments. Dynamic light scattering in the visible region (using a green laser) will be used to measure transport properties such as thermal and mass diffusivity, sound speed, and surface tension. That work will be carried out in the Clean Combustion lab in Edinburgh, using specialized cells to create the necessary environment. Small angle x-ray scattering (saxs) in a similar cell will be used to detect formation of large clusters leading to “critical opalescence”. The saxs work will be conducted at the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Lab in the US. This engineering science study will be the first in this research area. It will produce a deeper understanding of property dynamics near and above the critical point. In the near term this work will significantly impact high efficiency (low CO2) combustion engines. In the longer term these measurement techniques will also impact renewable fuel production, pharmaceutical processing, etc.

Entry Requirements
A 1st or 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in chemical or mechanical engineering, physics, physical chemistry or a related subject is required. For candidates who have not yet graduated, transcript evidence of likely degree level will be sufficient. Laboratory experience, especially with lasers and optics, will be a significant advantage.

Further information: https://www.eng.ed.ac.uk/research/institutes/imt