Research Associate in Advanced Laser Diagnostics Investigating the Fluid Mechanics of Primary Breakup

Full-Time: 35 hours per week

Fixed-Term: up to 24 months

We are looking for a post-doctoral researcher associate (PDRA) who has appreciable experience with laser diagnostics and spray atomization for fundamental studies of primary breakup of synthetic liquid fuels including ammonia.

The Opportunity:

This Research Associate position will contribute to the project ‘Unresolved fluid mechanics at liquid/gas interfaces for primary breakup of atomizing sprays’ within the Institute of Multiscale Thermofluids at the University of Edinburgh, which is funded by the European Research Council.

This project focuses on experimental measurements to study the fluid mechanics associated with primary atomization for a variety liquids and bespoke nozzles. This portion of the project will place more emphasis on synthetic fuels, such as ammonia, which are prone to flash boiling. This project utilizes imaging methods such as ballistic imaging and two-photon LIF to image intact liquid structures within a spray, and combines this imaging with wavelet-based optical flow to measure the velocity and acceleration distributions associated with liquid structures. Systematic studies will be performed to understand the primary breakup behaviour for flashing and non-flashing operation, and compare these dynamics with other liquid fuels. In-nozzle imaging will also be considered using transparent nozzles to correlate the near-field breakup behaviour with the liquid behaviour exiting the nozzle.

We are hiring a PDRA with experience with laser diagnostics in sprays. Candidates with experience in optical flow can also be considered. Candidates without experience with laser diagnostics will not be considered. Strong candidates will exhibit the ability to learn new diagnostics and image processing methods (e.g., wOFV) and apply them to optically dense sprays. Candidates must have their PhD in Engineering or other relevant fields. The candidate will join two PhDs and another PDRA working within the realms of this project.

This role is UE07 and is available on a fixed term basis for up to 24 months.

Your skills and attributes for success: 

• Proven track record with laser diagnostics for fluid mechanics research
• Experience in spray research
• Strong track-record in publishing in peer reviewed scientific journals
• Experience or theoretical knowledge of optical flow
• Strong understanding of fluid mechanics and multiphase flows

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