PhD Studentship - Nonlinear Waves on Liquid Cylinders

Primary Supervisor: Prof. Mark Blyth

Inviscid liquid jets subject to surface tension and in the absence of gravity are known to be unstable under long-wave perturbations, a phenomenon described by the classical Rayleigh–Plateau instability. However, when vorticity and swirl are included, Erhard et al. (2022) have theoretically demonstrated the existence of nonlinear travelling-wave solutions on such jets — although their detailed properties remain unexplored. In this project, we will develop new computational methods to compute and characterize these novel wave solutions, with particular emphasis on solitary waves and on analysing their stability. We will also extend the study to related configurations, such as ferrofluid jets under vorticity and swirl.

The mathematical and numerical techniques developed during this work will deepen our understanding of nonlinear wave phenomena in fluid mechanics and contribute to the broader theory of interfacial flows.

Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirement is 2:1 in mathematics or physics.

Mode of study: Full or Part time

Start date: 1st October 2026

Funding

This project is offered on a self-funded basis. It is open to applicants who are self-funded or who are in the process of securing external funding.

A bench fee is payable in addition to the tuition fee, to cover the cost of specialist equipment and laboratory facilities required for the research. Applicants should contact the primary supervisor for details of the bench fee applicable to this project.

If you are part of the UEA alumni community, you may be eligible for a tuition fee discount.