High-fidelity simulations of wind and dispersion over a city-scale urban area

About the Project

Supervisory Team: Zheng-Tong Xie

We live in a rapidly changing world. It is crucial that we understand such a complex system and build reliable predictive tools in time. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model includes buildings and abrupt terrains in a city-scale environment. It aims to understand across-scale physical processes with a focus on metre to kilometre scales and develop a fast CFD tool.

The aim of this project is to advance our understanding of physical processes across multiple scales in urban environments, focusing on spatial ranges from metres to kilometres.

A key objective is to develop a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tool built on open-source code, incorporating the efficient inflow turbulence generation method pioneered at Southampton. This tool will significantly accelerate numerical simulations and help close critical gaps in urban protection strategies. Specifically, we will design and test an integrated system capable of predicting wind and pollutant dispersion across a city at speeds exceeding real-time performance. Validation will be carried out using experimental datasets from projects such as ASSURE and FUTURE, with particular emphasis on near-field dispersion accuracy.

In addition to computational efficiency, the project will also address uncertainty quantification, especially in relation to variable incoming wind directions.

You will become part of a large and thriving Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics Research group at the University of Southampton, actively engaged in a broad spectrum of experimental and numerical investigations into turbulent flows. This project offers close collaboration with fellow researchers and partners involved in the wider initiative. You will have access to both local and national supercomputing facilities, and work alongside experts from national laboratories such as Dstl and the Met Office through placements and regular meetings.

You can attend two Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) courses at the University of Southampton in the first year, besides the weekly training provided by the Supervisor.

Entry requirements

You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent.

Fees and funding

We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students. Horizon Europe fee waivers automatically cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students.

Competition-based Presidential Bursaries from the University cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants.

Competition-based studentships offered by our schools typically cover UK-level tuition fees and a stipend for living costs for top-ranked applicants.

Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

For more information, please visit our postgraduate research funding pages.

How to apply

Apply now

You need to:

• choose programme type (Research), 2026/27, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• select Full time or Part time
• choose the relevant PhD Engineering & the Environment (7175)
• add name of the supervisor in section 2

Applications should include:

• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts to date
• English language qualification (if applicable)