Intelligent Analysis and Simulation Algorithm of Gas-Liquid-Solid Coupled Flow Field

Programme across the three institutions.

To address the complex coupling issues among inerting gas, fuel, and fuel tanks in aircraft fuel systems under high-angle-of-attack and large-overload conditions, a gasliquid-solid coupling mathematical model based on Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) was adopted to develop numerical tools for efficient numerical simulation analysis. Given that the coupled flow field solving capabilities of existing commercial fluid analysis software are constrained by the extremeness of flight conditions and the massive data in the solution space, the goal is to develop industrial software for analyzing, predicting, and regulating the inerting flow field in complex aircraft fuel tanks under different extreme high-dynamic service conditions.

The specific details are as follows:

1. Research on deduction and prediction methods for multi-phase coupled flow field characteristics integrating momentum conservation constraints. Explore spatial eigenvalue extraction methods for fluid particle point clouds using convolution kernels to achieve step-by-step deduction of fluid particle positions and velocities over time scales. By combining anti-symmetric convolution kernels with momentum conservation constraints on fluid particle states, the computational accuracy and efficiency of data-driven simulation analysis solvers are enhanced.
2. Development of simulation software for visualized analysis and regulation of three-dimensional flow field characteristics under extreme conditions. Develop solver-based prediction programs for multi-phase coupled flow field characteristics to achieve efficient solving of flow field characteristics under extreme conditions and environmental parameters. Design a 3D flow field characteristic cloud rendering engine and modular interface during the deduction and prediction process to enable high-quality human-machine interaction, data visualization, and performance analysis and evaluation.

Joint Supervisory Team:

• XJTLU supervisor: Professor Zhijie Xu
• XJTU supervisor: Professor Shuai Zheng
• UoL supervisor: Dr Mohammad Hasan XJTLU
• Co-supervisors: Nan Xiang and Yushan Pan

Requirements:

A UK first-class or upper second-class honours Bachelor's degree and a UK Master's degree with Merit (or their equivalent) are required for PhD admissions. Exceptional candidates holding only a Bachelor's degree may be considered on an individual basis.

Evidence of good spoken and written English is essential. The candidate should have an IELTS (or equivalent) score of 6.5 or above, if the first language is not English.

For more information about entry requirements and admission procedures of PhD programme at XJTLU, please visit:

• Entry Requirement - Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool
• University How to Apply - Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University

Programme Structure and Fees:

Doctoral students in the joint programme are registered with both XJTLU and the UoL. Upon successful completion of the programme, the students will be awarded a PhD degree from University of Liverpool. During their doctoral studies at XJTLU, students are expected to conduct research at XJTU as visiting students. Additionally, students have the opportunity to apply for a short-term research visit to the UoL if the project requires it.

The joint doctoral programme is offered on a full-time basis, with a typical duration of three to four years. The tuition fee is RMB 99,000 per year.

How to Apply:

Interested applicants are advised to email Zhijie.Xu@xjtlu.edu.cn and/or shuaizheng@xjtu.edu.cn the following documents for initial review and assessment (Please include the project title in the subject line):

• CV
• Two formal reference letters
• Personal statement outlining your interest in the position
• Certificates of English language qualifications (IELTS or equivalent)
• Full academic transcripts in both Chinese and English (for international students, only the English version is required)
• Verified certificates of education qualifications in both Chinese and English (for international students, only the English version is required)
• PDF copy of Master Degree dissertation (or an equivalent writing sample) and examiners reports available

Where will I study?

Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University

Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) is an international joint-venture university founded by Xi'an Jiaotong University in China and the University of Liverpool in the UK, which captures the essence of both parent universities, offering students the opportunity to obtain globally recognised UK degree and a unique life experience within China.

Project Supervisors

Professor Zhijie Xu

Career Overview

Zhijie Xu recently joined Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) as the Head of the Department of Computing within the School of Advanced Technology. Prior to this role, they served as a full professor specialising in visual computing at the University of Huddersfield in the United Kingdom. Their academic career spans over 30 years, during which they have engaged in undergraduate and postgraduate curriculum development and teaching across various computer science and engineering subjects, including computer graphics, computational geometry, games and extended reality (VR/AR/MR/XR), digital image processing, and computer vision. Zhijie Xu has supervised over 20 PhD students to successful completion and has published 200 peer-reviewed papers, in addition to editing five books. They hold numerous patents related to vision and visualisation technologies, covering new algorithms, models, devices, and apparatus. Zhijie Xu has led and co-led major projects for funding councils such as RCUK and Horizon Europe, with total funding exceeding £1.5 million. They have also contributed as an editor for several journals and have chaired numerous conferences. Outside of academia, Zhijie Xu enjoys playing tennis, reading, and travelling to learn about different cultures.

Research Interests

Prof. Xu's research spans over 30 years and focuses on visual computing, real-time graphics, interactive visualisation, machine vision, robotics, smart systems, computational linguistics, machine learning, and computer architecture. They have developed undergraduate and postgraduate curricula in computer science and engineering, covering topics such as computer graphics, computational geometry, games and extended reality (VR/AR/MR/XR), digital image processing, and computer vision. Prof. Xu has supervised over 20 PhD students, published 200 peer-reviewed papers, and edited five books. They hold numerous patents related to vision and visualisation technologies, including new algorithms and models, as well as devices and apparatus. Prof. Xu has led and peer-reviewed major projects funded by councils such as RCUK and Horizon Europe, with total funding exceeding 1.5 million pounds. Additionally, they have served as an editor for various journals and chaired numerous conferences.