PhD Research Studentships

Cavitation damage through non-axisymmetric self-focusing

Supervisors: Nikos BEMPEDELIS and Wei TAN
Apply by:29 February 2024
Start in:September (Semester 1)

Description

Cavitation is responsible for material damage in nature and a large number of engineering applications. Recent experimental evidence suggest that a hitherto unknown shockwave-focusing non-axisymmetric mechanism might be primarily responsible for erosive cavitation [Reuter et al., Ultrason. Sonochem., 90, 106131 (2022)]. In particular, for a range of small bubble to wall distances, the collapse of the bubble has been found to occur progressively, while being continuously self-amplified by the shockwaves emitted during this process. The small characteristic scales of the collapse means that experiments can only provide limited insight into the flow, whereas performing non-intrusive measurements is another major challenge. The goal of this project is to investigate the emergence, sensitivity and significance of the self-focusing mechanism in erosive cavitation. The project will utilise large-scale state-of-the-art CFD simulations of single and multiple bubble configurations near solid surfaces to advance our understanding of the processes leading to cavitation damage and explore potential pathways for its mitigation.

Funding

Funded by: Queen Mary Research
UK students only.
This studentship arrangement covers home tuition fees and provide an annual stipend for up to three years (currently set at the 2023/24 stipend rate of £20,622 pa)

Note that Queen Mary Research Studentships cover home-rated tuition fees only (See: www.welfare.qmul.ac.uk/money/feestatus/ for details)

Overseas applicants would be required to meet the difference between home and international tuition fees

Eligibility

  • The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
  • If English is not your first language, you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of minimum score of 6.0 in each of Writing, Listening, Reading and Speaking).
  • Candidates are expected to start in September (Semester 1).

Contact

For informal enquiries about this opportunity, please contact Nikos BEMPEDELIS or Wei TAN.

Apply

Start an application for this studentship and for entry onto the PhD Mechanical Engineering full-time programme (Semester 1 / September start):

Apply Now »

Please be sure to quote the reference "SEMS-PHD-571" to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.

Keywords:Biomedical Engineering, Fluid Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering