Postgraduate research opportunities Gyrinid inspired propulsion for underwater vehicles
ApplyKey facts
- Opens: Monday 24 July 2023
- Number of places: 1
- Duration: 42 months
- Funding: Home fee, Stipend
Overview
The project will examine micropatterned hull and impeller surfaces inspired by the body of the whirligig beetle (Coleoptera: Gyrinidae). The pitted structure of the insect body changes the flow pattern on the surface increasing the size of the boundary layer during motion, effectively delaying the onset of turbulent flow and decreasing drag. This proposal is based on our developing ability to replicate this hierarchical material structure using digital light processing and photopolymers.Eligibility
Applicants should have a first-class or upper-second-class degree with Masters study in an appropriate science or engineering discipline. Experience in computer-aided design, finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics would be advantageous but not essential.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate enthusiasm, creativity, resourcefulness and a mature approach to learning. Independent and critical thinking will be encouraged.
Project Details
The proposed project will use photopolymerizable elastomers and digital light processing additive manufacturing techniques to produce a novel, deformable hull shape. This is to be used as a phantom to explore the drag reduction and microfluidic ‘braking’ properties of the micropatterned surface in various flow conditions. The student will make use of, and receive training in, microscale computer tomography and partitioning, particle image velocimetry, laser Doppler vibrometry and computational fluid dynamics. Ultimately the aim of the project is to be able to understand and reproduce the Gyrinid control of the fluid drag at scalable structures that may be implemented into ship design.
The University of Strathclyde also provides a comprehensive research skills program, the Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Professional Development (PG Cert RPD). The PG Cert RPD is the first academic award in the UK to recognise and reward the wide array of skills and experiences that postgraduate research students achieve during their PhD research.
Further information
Informal enquiries are welcomed, please get in touch if you have any questions.
Funding details
The studentship is funded by DSTL. UK and EU citizens with pre-settled/settled status are fully-funded. As this is a defence-funded project security clearance will need to be obtained from DSTL for the applicant before an offer can be made.
Supervisors
Dr Andrew Baxter Reid
Strathclyde Chancellor's Fellow
Electronic and Electrical Engineering
Apply
Please send the following to Dr Andrew Reid by email (andrew.reid@strath.ac.uk):
- a CV (2 pages maximum); please include details of two references for the assessment of your application
- a cover letter highlighting candidate’s background (skills, experience, and research interests); how these make the candidate suitable for this position (1 page max)
- a copy of academic transcript
Number of places: 1
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