Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Numerical Fluid Mechanics and Dynamical Systems

The School of Science and Engineering delivers research and teaching across Anatomy & Human Identification, Computing, Engineering (Biomedical, Civil, and Mechanical & Electronic), Forensic Sciences, Mathematics and Physics.

The School benefits from superb research infrastructure and substantial opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration through which we deliver impactful knowledge-transfer and translational activities with industries (local and global) and with social ecosystems, including the judiciary and, through assistive technology, people with disabilities and the elderly population.

The remit of the Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Numerical Fluid Mechanics and Dynamical Systems will join the research project "Saving energy via drag reduction: a mathematical description of oscillatory flows". This EPSRC­ funded project will develop a theoretical foundation to explain, and improve upon, the observation that substantial drag reduction (up to 25%) can be made in boundary layer turbulence if the surface bounding the flow is oscillated side-to-side transversally to the flow direction. This will be achieved by computing the effect of oscillatory forcing on the structures (such as unstable periodic orbits) embedded within boundary layer turbulence and developing a theory for predicting and manipulating the properties of such structures when they are subject to this forcing.

Your priorities will include:

To conduct direct numerical simulations and compute unstable periodic orbits in a range of oscillatory shear flows. This includes:

• Stokes boundary layer
  • Edge-tracking to identify periodic orbits
  • Analysing properties of these periodic orbits
  • Performing numerical continuation of these orbits to other parameter values
  • Computation and analysis of minimal seeds for transition to turbulence
• Boundary layer turbulence
  • Numerical continuation of boundary layer exact coherent structures (equilibria) to the oscillating-wall regime
  • Development of a quasi-linear approximation or similar theory that predicts the effect of oscillatory forcing on the drag, via its effect on flow structures
  • Optimisation of forcing strategy to target specific flow structures, leading to further drag reduction.

Who we're looking for:

• PhD in numerical fluid mechanics or a closely related subject, or near completion of such a PhD
• Experience with direct numerical simulation of high Reynolds number fluid flow, including knowledge of a scientific computing language (su ch as C++ or Fortran) and associated code (such as Channelflow or Diablo), or equivalent
• A track record of scientific publication commensurate with experience

We are one of the UK's leading universities, internationally recognised for our expertise across a range of disciplines and research breakthroughs in multiple areas, including science, medicine and engineering, amongst many others. O ur purpose is to transform lives, locally and globally, which we do as a community of staff (Professional Services and academic Schools), students and alumni. Professional Services directorates are key to delivering the University strategy and driving change across the University.

For further information about this position please contact Dr Tom Eaves at teaves001@dundee.ac.uk 

The diversity of our staff and students helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for undergraduate, postgraduate and distance learning. Family friendly policies, staff networks for BME, Disabled and LGBT staff, membership of Athena SWAN, the ECU Race Equality Charter and Stonewall as well a full range of disability services, create an enjoyable and inclusive place to work.

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