UK; PhD Studentship in Multiphase Flow (Scholarship)

PhD Studentship in Multiphase Flow
Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics

Limit of tenure: 3 years.

The BP Institute at the University of Cambridge currently has a PhD studentship available, to be held jointly with the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP). The BP Institute for Multiphase Flow was established in 2000 by a generous endowment from BP, which has funded faculty positions, support staff and the Institute Building, in perpetuity.

The Institute research focuses on fundamental problems with industrial or environmental relevance and is highly interdisciplinary, spanning six University Departments: Earth Sciences, DAMTP, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Engineering & Physics. The successful candidate will join the large group of researchers modelling multiphase fluid flow from a physical, fluid dynamical standpoint, and will be supervised jointly by Dr CP Caulfield & Professor AW Woods. The student will also be able to interact fully with the various research groups in DAMTP focussing on fluid dynamics, particularly those with activity utilizing the GK Batchelor Laboratory.

The approach will be to use a combination of mathematical modelling, analogue laboratory experimentation and (possibly) numerical simulation to gain insight into the key processes governing high Reynolds number particle-laden flow in confined geometries, where chemical reactions, precipitation, solidification and gas release may also be occurring. Such flows arise in many situations of industrial and geophysical importance: examples include many aspects of oil-refining, and volcanology.

Applicants should have a 4-year honours degree (at least II.I or equivalent) or Masters in Mathematics, Physics, Earth Sciences or Engineering, or other relevant discipline with a significant mathematical modelling component. Experience in laboratory techniques is not required, but an enthusiasm for developing fundamental understanding of real-world problems using the interplay between data and mathematical modelling is essential. The studentship offers tuition fees and a maintenance grant for three years equivalent to the standard EPSRC funding level. The fee component is in accordance with Research Council eligibility criteria, which means that the studentship is not available to citizens of non-EU countries. However, the maintenance grant component is available to any EU candidate, even those not eligible for maintenance awards from the EPSRC.

Informal enquiries about this position can be made to Dr CP Caulfield (c.p.caulfield@bpi.cam.ac.uk). To apply, please send a copy of your CV and the names of 2 professional referees (with knowledge of academic performance and interests) to Ms Doris Allen, (dia20@damtp.cam.ac.uk) Centre for Mathematical Sciences, Wilberforce Road, Cambridge CB3 0WA. It is expected that interviews will be held in late August, for an October 2009 start.Quote Reference: LE05313, Closing Date: 31 July 2009

Interview Date(s): Late August 2009

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