PhD Studentship: Droplet Impact Dynamics on Different Surfaces

Supervisors: Dr Abhay Vincent 

This is a fully funded PhD (fees and bursary) in experimental icing research. Fundamental understanding of droplet impact dynamics is integral to icing. The overall aim of this PhD is to use optical flow visualisation and measurement techniques to study droplet impact under icing conditions to improve icing codes that aid in design and development of ice detection and mitigation system.

Understanding the process of droplet impact and freezing dynamics at high airspeeds, on textured and non-textured surfaces is critical to deciphering the physics behind ice adhesion and accretion. Previous work within the icing group at Cranfield has captured valuable data on droplet splashing, rebound and secondary impingement through experimental research in the vertical icing wind tunnel at Cranfield.

The overall aim of this PhD project is to analyse droplet impact mechanics along with the freezing thermodynamics under high airspeeds to gather important insights into ice adhesion behaviour. The experiments will feature use of surfaces with varying morphologies and wettabilities to understand the effect of change. The work will also have the possibility of undertaking complimentary CFD studies to aid in the experiment design, impact analysis and icing code droplet impact solver refinement.

The main impact of the work will be to provide droplet impact data and analysis at high speeds which are closer to real-time aircraft icing conditions. This data can then be utilised for improving design of ice detection and mitigation systems and for refining icing prediction codes. Unique opportunities for conference attendance are part of the programme.

The research is funded by the Centre of Propulsion and Thermal Engineering at Cranfield University. The work will be conducted at the Cranfield icing wind tunnel (IWT) based at Cranfield which has a strong collaborative history with industry in the field of atmospheric icing science research. This programme provides the PhD candidate with an outstanding opportunity to work across a range of disciplines for the development of future aerospace technologies and capabilities. During the PhD programme there will be regular reviews and presentation opportunities as well as the chance to attend specialist MSc modules if needed.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline. This project would suit a student with an aerospace, mechanical engineering, or physics background. Experience of experimental and computational modelling of icing physics, instrumentation and imaging techniques would be an advantage.

Funding & Sponsorship

The Centre of Propulsion and Thermal Engineering at Cranfield University, this studentship will provide a bursary of £20,000 (tax free) plus fees for three years.

This opportunity is open to UK and international students.

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