Institution: Durham University
Department: Department of Physics
Supervisor: Dr Vatsal Sanjay
Application deadline: Tuesday, December 15, 2026
Funding: Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
About the Project
Interfaces of drops, bubbles, sheets, and filaments govern how soft‑matter flows exchange mass, momentum, and energy—from the jets that set droplet sizes to the instabilities that decide whether thin films stay intact or rupture. The scientific challenge is to move beyond case‑by‑case studies and build a predictive, unified picture that spans Newtonian and complex (viscoelastic/viscoplastic) fluids, identifying when and how the dominant forces (inertia, capillarity, viscosity, elasticity, and yield stress) dictate the dynamics.
In this project, we will develop that unifying picture using high‑fidelity direct numerical simulations (DNS) alongside reduced models and scaling analysis. We use an open‑source multiphase framework (adaptive interface tracking, accurate surface‑tension forcing, and constitutive models for complex rheology) to map regime boundaries and derive universal laws linking local interfacial physics to global observables (jet speeds, droplet sizes, spreading/rupture rates). Validation is achieved through high-speed experiments with collaborators.
The exact focus is chosen with the student upon arrival from a menu of canonical problems—for example: bursting bubbles and aerosol formation; drop impact and rebound on textured/superhydrophobic surfaces; spreading on lubricant-infused surfaces; gravity-driven films on plates and fibers; micron-thick sheet rupture; and viscoelastic filament breakup. Training covers multiphase CFD, HPC, and reproducible open‑source workflows, with optional short visits to partner labs. Suitable for candidates with a strong background in fluid dynamics/soft matter, applied mathematics, or computational physics. See project options at https://comphy-lab.org/join/.
For more information about the condensed matter physics section at Durham University please see here.
Sponsor: EPSRC
Name of supervisor(s): Dr Vatsal Sanjay
Eligibility Criteria
You must have or expect a First-Class honour bachelor's degree, or at least a 2:1 Integrated master’s degree or a master’s degree in an appropriate subject, from a recognised university (or equivalent).
Applications are open to Home, international and EU candidates.
If English is not your first language, you must have IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 6 in all sub-skills) or equivalent evidence of English language proficiency.
How to apply
You must apply through the University’s admission system: How to Apply - Durham University. One application can be used for multiple projects.
You will need to:
- Provide the project title and supervisor’s name under the ‘Programme Related Information’ section.
- Provide details of any funding you have secured or intend to apply for under ‘Additional Information – Funding Information’. This may include CSC, DDS, STFC or EPSRC funding. Please select ‘Other Funding’ and enter the details in the text box provided. You can also include this information under ‘Programme Related Information’.
- Upload your CV under the ‘Experience’ section by selecting ‘Yes’ and uploading the document.
- Upload a personal statement/cover letter under the ‘Personal Statement’ section.
- Provide a short research proposal of a few paragraphs, no longer than one page, outlining your research interests under the ‘Research Proposal’ section.
- Upload your degree transcripts and certificates and, if English is not your first language, evidence of your English language qualifications.
- Provide details for two academic referees, including their email addresses, so that we can contact them directly. Please ensure you consent to the University contacting your referees when completing your application.
Contact: For informal enquiries please contact nicholas.bristowe@durham.ac.uk (general) or vatsal.sanjay@durham.ac.uk (project specific).
Funding Notes
This EPSRC studentship will be awarded on a competitive basis between projects. Besides these EPSRC studentships, interested candidates may also consider external sources of funding which they may be eligible for.
Octobe 2027 (3.5 Years)