Pipe flow is a classical problem in fluid dynamics. Its simplicity of form has invited research for over 100 years. For a single phase the problem is relatively well understood in terms of transient turbulence. Patches of turbulence can be observed above a certain flow rate. With increasing flow rate, turbulence becomes easier to initiate and starts to spread along the pipe. Despite the great importance of particulate flow to a range of real world problems, our understanding of how solid-liquid multiphase flow behaves is relatively poor. For fully developed turbulence, work has been done on the impact of particle size on turbulence intensity and particle distribution. Less is known about intermittent turbulence, and turbulence transition. These questions need to be answered to be able to determine flow rate precisely from the signals delivered by standard flowmeters.

The doctoral student will be in charge of the experimental part of this work. A two-phase flow loop in Coventry will be set up, where the flow will be mapped by Particle Image Velocimetry. The aims are to identify and understand flow patterns in transitional regimes and to use this knowledge to obtain more precise measurements from flowmeters. In the later stage of the project, experiments will be conducted on a larger scale at NEL (Glasgow), on  one of the largest testing rigs of this type in the world.  The student will work within a team of 5 scientists and engineers overseeing the theoretical and experimental parts of the projects and will benefit from technical support specialised in the construction of fluid mechanics experiments.

This challenging problem offers a rare opportunity for high-profile fundamental research in fluid mechanics (expected to be published in leading journals such as Journal of Fluid Mechanics) with also a direct application to a concrete industrial need.

The project is funded by the National Engineering Laboratory, who provide calibration services for flowmeters used in offshore oil extraction plants (www.tuvnel.com). Precise measurement of oil extracted from wells is a major challenge for industry. Current flowmeters rely on assumptions about the flow profile in pipelines, which are challenged both by the multiphase nature of the flow and its transitional character. 

Candidate specifications

• A taught Masters degree in a relevant discipline, involving a dissertation of standard length written in English in the relevant subject area with a minimum of a merit profile: 60% overall module average and a minimum of a 60% dissertation mark
• The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a three-year period of study
• A minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component)