PhD Studentship: Swim like a Whale: Underwater Propulsion at High Reynolds Numbers

Project title: Swim like a Whale: Underwater Propulsion at High Reynolds Numbers  

Supervisory Team: Dr Melike Kurt and Prof Bharath Ganapathisubramani

Project description:

Bio-inspired oscillatory foil considerations promise better manoeuvrability and larger efficient performance envelopes for water-borne engineering vessels that are often characterized by turbulent, high Reynolds-number flows on the order of 1 million to 100 million. In this regard, it is no coincidence that our inspiration is large marine animals. Fast swimmers, such as sharks, operate at a minimum Reynolds number of 1,000,000, while larger cetaceans, such as whales, swim at an even higher Reynolds number range, exceeding 10,000,000! The implementation of such bioinspired considerations in the design of water-borne vessels like ships and autonomous underwater vehicles or unconventional offshore energy extraction designs like oscillatory foil turbines requires us to understand the operation envelopes in moderate to high Reynolds number flow regimes. The experimental work in this area commonly strives to deduce scaling laws, while computational efforts focus on developing and validating predictive flow models. Unfortunately, the scarcity of experimental data at high Reynolds numbers significantly hampers these design approaches. This exciting experimental project aims to bridge this gap and characterize the performance metrics and the flow over hydrofoils in canonical oscillatory motions at high Reynolds numbers. Our goal is to combine unique data sets acquired from measurements conducted both in the Boldrewood Towing Tank and the Recirculating Water Tunnel facilities. The work requires detailed flow diagnostics and the use of direct force/pressure measurement techniques.

Applicants should have a strong background in fluid mechanics, aero-/hydrodynamics. A demonstrable aptitude for practical laboratory work is essential. Fundamental knowledge of mechatronics/control is required, and prior experience with actuation mechanisms is desired.  Applications are invited from candidates who possess (or expect to gain) a first-class honours MEng, MSc or higher degree equivalent in Engineering, Physics or allied disciplines.

We aim to build a diverse and inclusive team to tackle challenging problems where we develop new skills and expertise in our team members. You will have a unique opportunity to work alongside other team members (PhD students and postdoctoral researchers) with different backgrounds and experience. You will be trained in using state-of-the-art experimental fluids facilities, flow diagnostics/sensory equipment and advanced data-analysis methods that will enable you to pursue a career in academia or industry. Finally, you will be able to travel to international conferences to present your work and develop new collaborations with research groups around the world.

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date: 31 August 2024.  Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

Funding: Tuition Fees and a stipend of £18,622 tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years are available for UK/international students. Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis.

How To Apply

Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk). Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD Engineering & Environment (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Melike Kurt

Applications should include:

Research Proposal

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

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

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