PhD Studentship in Aeronautics: Turbulence under Strain (AE0096)

Overview

This PhD studentship in aeronautics investigates the physics of intermediate-strain turbulent wakes, addressing an unexplored regime between highly and lowly strained turbulent flows. The project involves testing bluff bodies in the Aeronautics Department wind tunnel facilities at Imperial College London to record average strain rates and document the limitations of classical theories. The work relies on laboratory experiments using high speed particle image velocimetry to characterize turbulent velocity fields. The resulting data will support the creation of a new theoretical framework for intermediate strain turbulence based on the simple transportation of energy concept. The studentship lasts for 3.5 years and has a start date scheduled between 1st August 2027 and 1st July 2027.

Who can apply

Home, EU, and International students are eligible to apply for this opportunity. Candidates are expected to hold or expect to achieve a First class honours MEng, MSci, or higher degree, or an international equivalent, in Applied Mathematics, Physics, or Engineering.

What you get

The funding provides full coverage of tuition fees alongside an annual tax-free stipend of £23,805.

Key dates

The application deadline is 23:59 on 4th January 2027 in UK time, matching the closing date of 2027-01-04. The project start date falls between 1st August 2027 and 1st July 2028.