Industry-sponsored PhD Studentship in CFD of two-phase pipe flows
Applications are invited for a PhD Studentship in two-phase flows. The project is sponsored by a large consortium of industrial partners (called TMF5) that is led by the Department, see http://multiphase.tech.cranfield.ac.uk/index.html for details.
Within the broad range of two-phase flows, the project will focus on stratified flows, which commonly occur in oil/gas transport. The aim is to use accurate numerical methods to obtain crucial insight in the entrainment of droplets from a liquid layer at the bottom of horizontal pipelines into a turbulent gas stream. The work will involve the further development of numerical methods (developed in-house) for this purpose, specifically, to achieve an accurate resolution of the interaction between turbulent structures and large-amplitude waves and liquid ligaments on the liquid layer at large Reynolds numbers.
Results of the CFD work will be compared with high-quality observations from experimental studies that are being conducted by other PhD students at the large-scale facilities in the Department as part of the TMF5 project. The final aim of the present project is to attempt (based on the CFD results) to formulate key parameters that are required in the development of practical models for large-scale oil/gas transport. Results of the work will be disseminated through regular presentations at regular meetings of the TMF5 industrial consortium.
The project will suit a candidate who would graduate this year, or has recently graduated, in a subject in Engineering or in Applied Mathematics. A good knowledge of fluid mechanics is essential. Some experience with programming would be an advantage.
Requirements
Applicants should have achieved (or should predicted to achieve) a First or Upper Second Classification from a UK university or equivalent (the studentship is open to international applicants). The studentship is for three years, commencing in October 2009, and consists of tuition fees at the UK/EU rate and a stipend at the standard UK research council rate (this is expected to be in the range GBP 14,000-15,000 per annum).
Application
If you have questions about the project, feel free to contact the supervisor of the project, Dr Peter Spelt (www3.imperial.ac.uk/people/p.spelt ; email: p.spelt
imperial.ac.uk, tel: (+44) 20 7594 5571, fax: (+44) 20 7594 5629).
Applications, including CV and contact details of two referees, should be sent to the above email address, or to:
Dr Peter Spelt
Department of Chemical Engineering
South Kensington Campus
Imperial College London
London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom.
There is no specific closing date for this studentship. Valuing diversity and committed to equality of opportunity.
