PhD Studentship: A dynamical systems theory approach to optimisation in fluid mechanics

Project description

A PhD studentship is available in the area of numerical simulation, optimisation and stability analysis of turbulent flows.

In the past two decades significant advances in understanding the structure of turbulent wall-bounded flows has been made by utilising optimisation techniques to identify flow perturbations that can display significant energy amplification. Optimal perturbations identified in these studies show remarkable agreement with large-scale coherent structures observed in experiments and simulations.  However, past work has been limited by the fact that it has relied on using Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes models to compute the temporal dynamics of perturbations. Such models do not consider the multi-scale, unsteady and chaotic nature of turbulence and it is not fully clear what is the relation of these results with some physical characteristics of wall-bounded flows. For example, wall-bounded flows display bursting events with large transient energy growth, but these mechanisms cannot be captured with Reynolds-Averaged models.

In this project, we will utilise direct numerical simulations of wall-bounded turbulence coupled to optimisation techniques to fully characterize energy amplification mechanisms in turbulent flows. We will make use of newly-developed dynamical systems theory methods to provide a fresh understanding of instability mechanisms in wall-bounded flows across scales and a better understanding of the evolution of coherent structures.

This project will suit a student with a good maths background and an interest in numerical methods for fluid dynamics. For this project, you will make use of the high-performance computing facilities available at the University of Southampton, e.g. the IRIDIS5 compute cluster, for which training is available.

You will join an informal and vibrant group of other PhD students, post-docs and academics in the Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics group, engaged in a wide range of experimental and numerical investigations on turbulent flows.

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a high 2:1 UK honours degree, or its international equivalent), in a relevant STEM subject, e.g. in engineering, physics or maths.

Closing date: Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis,but should be received no later than 31 August 2023 for standard admissions.

Funding: International applications are welcomed although availability of funding is limited. For UK students, tuition fees and a tax-free stipend starting from £17,668 per annum, increasing each year, are covered for up to 3.5 years.

How To Apply

Click the 'Apply' button above to: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk). Select programme type (Research), 2023/24, Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, next page select “PhD Engineering & Environment (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor(Davide Lasagna)

Applications should include:

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk

The School of Engineering is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance.

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