PhD Studentship: Experimental and numerical investigation of Fluid Structure Interactions in Hypers

PhD Expression of Interest – Experimental and numerical investigation of Fluid Structure Interactions in Hypersonic Flows

The School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering maintains a world class reputation and is at the cutting-edge of engineering education, research and expert consultation across the fields of mechanical, materials, mining, aerospace and mechatronic engineering. 

The School’s reputation for research excellence attracts academia from around the world.  Our diverse research programs address the evolving needs of industry and society, and contribute to economic and social development. The School’s established research strengths in hypersonics, light metals, geothermal energy and mining technology are complemented by continued growth in areas such as solar thermal, composites, metals manufacturing, and rock mechanics.

The role

The candidate will work as part of a multi-university and multi-national team, embedded in the Centre for Hypersonics here at the University of Queensland to deliver the goals the ARC-Discovery Project, Fluid-Structural Interactions in High-Speed Flows. The aims of this project are: 

We will perform first-of-kind experiments to measure fluid-structure interaction in hypersonic flows. We will use this data to assess and improve advanced numerical simulation tools. These tools will in turn be used to reveal the underlying physics of the fluid-structure interactions and establish the relative significance of the driving parameters. Accurate prediction of the behaviour and lifetime of structural components subject to these fluid-structural interactions, in which the deformation of the structure induced by the local flow field, can in turn influence this flow field. This coupling can result in damage or even catastrophic structural failure and thus robust design tools must be developed to avoid this.

As part of this project you would be expected to perform the following:

• Conduct CFD simulations of Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI) problems using the UQ in-house CFD code Eilmer

• Modify and enhance the CFD code Eilmer to improve the FSI capabilities
  (some experience with scripting languages, MATLAB is essential)

• Design experimental set-ups for FSI testing in T-USQ (Hypersonic tunnel with flows up to Mach 7)

• Analyse experimental data for validation of FSI simulations

A sound understanding of CFD, CAD, compressible fluid dynamics and experimentation are essential for successful completion of this project. Depending on abilities of the applicant the project can be fine tuned to better suit an experimental or numerical focus.

Working as part of this multi-national project will create opportunities for the candidate to form an international network with our collaborators and also to spend time overseas to enhance their research skills.

The person

Applicants should have a degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering, with a very strong interest in Fluid Dynamics. The candidate is also required to meet the minimum requirements for entry into the PhD program. The research group is very dynamic and fast moving and hence it is crucial that any candidate is a team player with an independent and professional work ethic. The candidate must have excellent communication skills in terms of both written and spoken English language expression.

Remuneration

The successful applicant is expected to obtain their own tuition fee and living allowance scholarship. For information on scholarships, see https://graduate-school.uq.edu.au/scholarships. 

The successful applicant will receive funds to attend at least one national and international conference, at which they are presenting their work. 

The successful applicant will also have the opportunity to supplement this stipend with paid casual teaching and tutoring.

Applications

To submit an application for this role, please complete an application to the PhD program online. Please list Dr. Ingo Jahn as the supervisor and list Fluid-Structural Interactions in High-Speed Flows as the project title. All applicants will be required to supply the following documents:

• A cover letter that addresses how you meet the requirements for the PhD program and addressing the desired skills and attributes;

• A curriculum vitae detailing education, professional experience, research experience, publications, and relevant competencies;

• Academic transcript for all post-secondary study undertaken, complete or incomplete, including the institution grading scale;

• Award certificates for all completed post-secondary study

• Evidence for meeting UQ’s English language proficiency requirements; and

• The name and contact details of two referees who can best comment on your prior research experience. UQ will contact your referees directly, but you will need to enter their details into the application form.

Enquiries

Enquiries related to this position should be directed to Dr. Ingo Jahn at i.jahn@uq.edu.au