PhD Research Studentships

ERC project: Flow-induced dispersion of 2D nanomaterials in sheared liquids -theory and simulation.

Supervisor:
Apply by:	31 July 2018

Description

The modelling of nanoparticle suspensions composed of 2D nanomaterials is central to the design of nanocomposites, conductive inks (for printing and additive manufacturing), and smart coatings. However knowledge on the fluid dynamics of 2D nanomaterials suspensions is extremely limited. Our group in QMUL is carrying out pioneering investigations in this field within the 5-year ERC project FLEXNANOFLOW (https://bottogroup.wordpress.com/), through a combination of Molecular Dynamics and continuum (Boundary Integral) simulations, and in collaborations with experimentalists in the UK and Germany. We are looking for a motivated student to join our team of postdocs and PhD students.

In this project a new set of theoretical and computational models will be developed to: i) understand the conditions leading to exfoliation of 2D nanomaterials due to either shear flows or bubble collapse in sonication; ii) identify through molecular dynamics (MD) molecular mechanisms that affect the morphology of 2D nanomaterials when these are suspended in a sheared liquid, and the limits of continuum treatments in describing the hydrodynamics of 2D nanomaterials owing to, e.g., slip at the graphene-water interface.

This is an ideal project for a student interested in soft matter physics, colloidal hydrodynamics, dispersed multiphase flows, and nanofluidics. The applicant should possess a good Honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (mathematics, engineering, physics, computational science) with a strong emphasis in applied mathematics, engineering and/or mathematical modelling, and preferably prior knowledge of fluid dynamics achieved through academic courses. The work will involve travel to international conferences and international research visits.

QMUL Research Studentship Details

Available to Home/EU & International Applicants.
Full Time programme only
Applicant required to start in Late September/October 2018
The studentship arrangement will cover tuition fees and provide an annual stipend for up to three years (Currently set as £16,553 in 2017/18).
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 then you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of 6 in Writing 5.5 in all sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking).
International applicants should refer to the following website at http://www.qmul.ac.uk/international/index.html

Supervisor Contact Details:

For informal enquiries about this position, please contact Dr Lorenzo Botto, E-mail: l.botto@qmul.ac.uk

Application Method:

To apply for this studentship and for entry on to the Mechanical Engineering programme (Full Time, Semester 1 start) please follow the instructions detailed on the following webpage:

https://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/subjects/engineering.html

Further Guidance:

http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/

Please be sure to include a reference to ‘2018 SEMS QMRS LBotto’ to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.

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 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in all sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking).
Candidates are expected to start in (Semester ).
SEMS and Principal-funded studentships: this studentship arrangement covers home tuition fees and provides 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

Contact

For informal enquiries about this opportunity, please contact .