PhD Studentship: Investigation of Enhancement of Heat Transfer via Interfacial Phenomena

Overview

• Qualification type: PhD
• Subject area: Thermofluids
• Location/Campus: College Lane, Hatfield
• Start date: January 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter
• Duration: three years, full time

Funding information (fully funded for UK, EU and international students)

Annual tax-free bursary of approximately £18,622 pa, plus tuition fees (£5590 for UK or £14,905 for International and EU applicants).

Project Details

The advancement and increasing growing prevalence of computer-based applications such as artificial intelligence, data analysis, and virtual reality relies on ever-growing computational ability. Providing this capability relies on continued development of high-performance electronic devices, which brings with it tremendous challenges in terms of thermal management. Over the past decades, heat flux requirements close to the order of 1000 W/cm² have been reported. Conventional heat transfer methods may no longer be capable of addressing the issues.

The interface between phases has brought benefits to heat transfer with acceptable pressure drops. This project aims to control the interface together with its corresponding impact on the heat transfer performance. The combined experimental (flow visualization) and numerical (VOF model) methods will be carried out to address its impact to the heat transfer process.

The applicant should have a relevant degree, ideally with a background (or strong interest in developing knowledge) in the following areas:

• Fluid flow and heat transfer;
• Numerical capabilities – CFD and programming skills; Machine Learning is a plus but not essential;
• Experimental skills;
• Strong analysis skills.

Entry requirements

Applications are invited from individuals with a first or upper second-class degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline such as, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Chemical Engineering. A master’s degree is essential. We are seeking applicants with very good experimental, analytical and programming/simulation skills.

Eligibility

The studentship is open to UK/EU and international applicants.

How to Apply

Informal enquires can be made to Prof. Hongwei Wu, the project supervisor, or Prof. Pandelis Kourtessis, Associate Dean Research and Enterprise.

Please download and complete an application form

In section 11 you must provide a comprehensive personal statement of up to 500 words describing your motivation to do research on this project at the University of Hertfordshire.

Please also send with your application form:

• A research proposal not exceeding 2 pages
• Two academic references
• Copies of qualification certificates and transcripts
• Certification of English language competence (minimum IELTS 6.5 or equivalent) for candidates for whom English is not their first language.

Your completed application should be emailed to the Doctoral College

Interview dates: TBC

Expected studentship start date: January 2024

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