PhD Research Studentships
Fluid Mechanics of the Methane Measurements Using Drones
| Supervisor: | Neil CAGNEY |
| Apply by: | 28 January 2026 |
| Start in: | September (Semester 1) |
Description
Methane is one of the most potent greenhouse gases, and its reduction is critical to mitigating climate change, as recognised in China’s 14th Five-Year Plan and the China Methane Emissions Control Action Plan. However, monitoring methane emissions at individual sites remains a major challenge, and the China Methane Emissions Control Action Plan recognises the urgent need to improve measurement capacity.
Drone-based methane sensing has emerged as a promising solution, capable of estimating emission rates from diverse sites. However, the problem involves complex fluid mechanics, including turbulent mixing of the methane plume and the downwash from the drone deflecting the plume. These processes remain poorly understood by can have a major effect on the measurement accuracy.
This PhD project will develop a controlled experimental model of a methane plume source and a drone within a wind tunnel in Queen Mary University of London aerospace labs. Using stereoscopic Particle Image Velocimetry (S-PIV), the flow field will be characterised, while Mie scattering techniques will be employed to visualise and quantify plume dispersion. The resulting data will be analysed to explore the plume behaviour is affect by the drone motion and other factors such as turbulence intensity and Reynolds number and will ultimately be used to assess the accuracy of drone-based methane monitoring.
The successful candidate will have a background in fluid mechanics, with a degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Civil or Chemical Engineering, or Physics. An enthusiasm for hands-on experimental work is essential.
Funding
Funded by: China Scholarship CouncilCandidate will need to secure a CSC scholarship.
Under the scheme, Queen Mary will provide scholarships to cover all tuition fees, whilst the CSC will provide living expenses and one return flight ticket to successful applicants.
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 Neil CAGNEY.
Apply
Start an application for this studentship and for entry onto the PhD FT Aerospace Engineering full-time programme (Semester 1 / September start):
Please be sure to quote the reference "SEMS-PHD-686" to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.
| SEMS Research Centres: | ||
| Keywords: | Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Engineering - Other, Environmental Engineering, Fluid Mechanics, Mechanics, Mechatronics, Petroleum Engineering |