unique challenges for turbine deployment that remain insufficiently understood. The research will use advanced multiphase flow modelling to simulate the interaction between turbine blades and suspended sediments, investigating erosion patterns and performance degradation. Current research1 reveals critical gaps in understanding turbine-sediment interactions. While cavitation erosion and sediment transport have been studied separately, their synergistic effects remain largely unexplored1 . Three-dimensional models show inadequate capabilities predicting suspended sediment in turbine wakes, particularly regarding turbulent mixing and particle interactions2. Additional gaps include the disconnect between laboratory and regional-scale modelling, competing mechanisms of sediment entrainment and mixing, and insufficient knowledge of long-term morphological changes.
The research will employ a multi-scale approach using Large Eddy Simulation coupled with Eulerian-Eulerian multiphase models3 for suspended sediments, providing superior prediction capabilities compared to RANS models4. The study will implement enhanced vertical mixing coefficients and modified bed shear stress calculations2, for accurately representing wake characteristics.
Key innovations include: (i)erosion models capturing combined sediment impact and cavitation effects; (ii)investigation of blockage ratio effects; (iii)two-phase fluid-actuator line-immersed boundary coupling for transient morphological evolution; (iv)parametric studies examining sediment concentration and grain size distributions; (v)analysis of single and multiple turbine configurations.
Expected outcomes include quantified relationships between sediment characteristics and turbine performance degradation, optimised blade designs for erosion resistance, operational guidelines for high-sediment environments and a comprehensive life-cycle assessment identifying environmental impact hotspots to enable sustainable material selection and enhanced eco-efficiency.
Applicant Eligibility
Candidates will have, or be due to obtain, a master’s degree or equivalent from a reputable university in a relevant subject OR a First in a relevant bachelor’s degree.
Important Application Process
Candidates wishing to apply should email n0mescdt@ljmu.ac.uk, to request the N0MES CDT expression of interest form to be returned with:
- degree certificates and transcripts
- an up-to-date CV
- two academic references together with their contact information
- a supporting statement [one page of A4] detailing what inspired you to apply for this project, how your skill set matches this specific project, up to 3 examples showing your commitment to science, an example of science that excites you and any further information that you think will support your application
Once your application will be assessed successful candidates will be formally invited to apply.
Please use the following as the email subject title: PhD Studentship at the N0MES CDT. Good luck!
Funding Notes
Studentships pay a maintenance grant for 4 years, starting at the UKRI minimum of £20,780 per annum for 2025-2026 and cover full home UK tuition fees (plus EU, EAA settled *see note below). The studentship also comes with access to additional funding in the form of a research training support grant which is available to fund conference attendance, fieldwork, internships etc.
Qualifications - will have, a master’s degree OR a 1st in a relevant bachelor’s degree.
