PhD Studentship(s) in Aeronautics: The role of turbulence intermittency in cloud physics

Start Date: October 2026

Application deadline: 30^th April 2026

Introduction: Warm cumulus clouds have been observed to yield precipitation as soon as 30 minutes after their formation. Formation of rain drops by purely thermodynamic means is not possible in such a short time scale highlighting the importance of turbulence within clouds to these processes. Cloud turbulence causes collision between, and coalescence of smaller droplets, eventually generating droplets that are large enough to fall from the cloud under gravity. However, the turbulence within clouds is highly intermittent, due to the large Reynolds number, and as we yet we have a poor understanding of how these intermittency effects affect rainfall generation.

You will explore one of two intermittency effects. Firstly, the cloud exchanges mass, momentum, energy, water-content etc. with the (dry) surrounding air through processes collectively known as entrainment. When the background is turbulent, which is the case for low-level warm cumulus clouds, these entrainment processes are intermittent. Secondly, the interaction between the cloud turbulence and cloud droplets is intermittent due to the high Reynolds number of the cloud turbulence. You will study either the entrainment processes at the cloud edge or the turbulence – droplet interactions. Depending on the strengths/preferences of the student you will either conduct high-fidelity experiments (combined particle tracking velocimetry and particle image velocimetry) in a large wind tunnel here at Imperial College London, or high-fidelity numerical simulations. Up to two PhD studentships are available.

You will develop expertise in cutting-edge laser diagnostics or direct numerical simulation (CFD) for turbulence research. You will become expert in turbulent flow physics and will work as part of a large team working on an ERC project (TITCHY) towards understanding turbulent cloud physics. You will present your work to the scientific community at internationally prestigious conferences.

You will have access to engaging professional development workshops in areas such as research communication, computing and data science, and professional progression through our Early Career Researcher Institute.

Supervisors: Prof. Oliver Buxton whose expertise lies in fundamental aspects of turbulence including turbulent entrainment and turbulence – droplet interactions.

Duration: 3.5 years.

Funding: Full coverage of tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend of £22,780 for Home, EU and International students.

Find out more about fee status at:

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/pg/fees-and-funding/tuition-fees/fee-status/.

Eligibility: Due to the competitive nature of our studentships, candidates will be expected to achieve/have achieved a First class honours MEng/MSci or higher degree (or international equivalent) in: aeronautical or mechanical engineering, applied mathematics, physics, or other related STEM subject.

Previous experience studying turbulence is desirable, but not required.

How to apply: Submit your application via our Apply webpages:

www.imperial.ac.uk/study/apply/postgraduate-doctoral/application-process/.

When applying, please use the following details:

• Search course/Programme: Aeronautics Research (PhD)
• Research Topic: Please use reference number AE0084
• Research Supervisor: Prof. Oliver Buxton
• Research Group: Aeronautics

For further information: For questions about the project, email: Prof. Oliver Buxton, o.buxton@imperial.ac.uk

For queries regarding the application process, email Lisa Kelly, PhD Administrator, l.kelly@imperial.ac.uk

You can also learn more about Imperial at www.imperial.ac.uk/study/pg

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: Imperial is committed to equality and valuing diversity. We are an Athena SWAN Silver Award winner, a Stonewall Diversity Champion, a Disability Confident Employer and are working in partnership with GIRES to promote respect for trans people.

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