Phd:Studentship: Experimental Study of Vortex Dynamics in Rotating Flow

A PhD project in EXPERIMENTAL FLUID MECHANICS is available to study fundamental physics governing flows subject to background system rotation. A research rig on a rotating turntable will be developed. Fluid vortices (eg. vortex rings, bath-tub vortex-like structures) within the rotating reference frame will be studied. Flow-field measurements will use Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). The analysis of PIV data requires the development of custom Python routines for image processing.

Project Detail:

A typical example of the type of research outlined in the project abstract is available in our recent journal publication at https://doi.org/10.1017/jfm.2026.11199. This paper arose from a previous PhD project, which investigated the effects of background rotation on vortex rings. The publication includes links to online videos of one of our rotating turntables, as well as animations generated from PIV data analysis. Your own PhD research will focus on related aspects of vortices in rotating flow.

Vortices are often referred to as the sinews and muscles of fluid motion. Vortex dynamics is important in the context of, essentially, all engineering applications involving a fluid in motion. Typical examples include trailing vortices behind aircraft, vortices shed from components of F1 cars, vortices shed from buildings, ocean currents, tornadoes, or the Great Red Spot on Jupiter. An understanding of the fundamental processes involved in the mutual interaction of vortices is a prerequisite for solving the outstanding open problem in classical mechanics: unravelling the complex physics of fluid turbulence.

The dynamics of rotating flows differ substantially from those of flows in non-rotating systems. The origin of these differences is the Coriolis force. This force exists only within a rotating frame of reference and is a fictitious force. Its action becomes apparent when, for instance, an object moving in a straight line above an observer located in a rotating reference frame appears to deviate from its straight path. While the object does move in a straight line, the observer rotates relative to it and, therefore, observes the object as travelling on a curved trajectory.

Since the Coriolis force is fictitious, a beginner might be tempted to think that it cannot have any significant effects on fluid flows. However, this is not so! The Coriolis force leads to many flow phenomena that are entirely absent in non-rotating systems. Most of these phenomena appear highly counterintuitive to anyone unfamiliar with the fundamental theoretical background of rotating flows. Examples of rotating flows where Coriolis effects are relevant include large-scale geophysical flows in the atmosphere (meteorology) or the oceans (oceanography), flows in rotating machinery and reactors (engineering), stellar dynamics and accretion discs (astrophysics).

Scholarship:

The award will cover the full tuition fees, plus a tax-free stipend, currently £21,805, paid at the prevailing UKRI rate for 3.5 years of full-time study.

Eligibility:

The candidate should have a good 2.1 Bachelors, or Masters degree in Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics or equivalent. This project will suit those with a keen interest in experimentally exploring the fundamental physics underlying fluid flows. The candidate should be interested in image processing and should have a strong background in mathematics.

How to apply:

Interested candidates should submit a full formal application. Guidance and the application form available by clicking the 'Apply' button above.  

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