Real-time 4D Imaging of Transient Multiphase Flows

About the Project

Multiphase flows are common in natural and industrial processes, such as fuel injection in high-speed aeroengines (e.g., Scramjets), bubbles in electrolyzers, and blood flows. In many applications, these flows often exhibit transient behavior, which requires meticulous characterization simultaneously in 3D space and time. This essentially requires 4D imaging for a better understanding. Although traditional high-speed cameras can achieve 4D imaging, their high data rates limit their use in real-time applications. As a result, the available benchmark data for developing numerical models to predict transient multiphase flows is limited.

This project aims to develop and demonstrate a breakthrough concept for a real-time 4D imaging system by integrating recent advancements in event-based (EB) imaging techniques. For the first time, the proposed system will enable single-shot, real-time 4D Imaging, going beyond the current state of the art. This project will focus on two main steps: 1. Developing real-time tomographic 4D imaging using multiple event-based cameras. 2. Developing the first-ever AI/ML algorithm to predict the transition in real time. This will be implemented in benchmark transient multiphase flows, such as bubbly flows, turbulent liquid jet breakup (Fuel injection in high-speed flows - scramjet engines), etc. The implementation of 4D imaging in such flows will provide unique insights into liquid jet breakup in supersonic flows, bubble-turbulence interactions, collisions, and coalescence dynamics.

Subsequently, this enables the development of more accurate computational models for various industrial processes. The experimental methods developed in this project will directly contribute to a better understanding of multiphase flows in a wide range of engineering and medical applications.

Training Opportunities

The project involves close collaboration with researchers at Imperial College London. Furthermore, the student will benefit from a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, experimentalists, and mathematicians within the University of Manchester and overseas.

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering-related discipline.

Applicants must have:

• A strong foundation in fluid mechanics
• Knowledge of experimental techniques is preferred but not mandatory
• Basic programming skills in any language
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Funding

This 3.5-year project is funded by the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering. Tuition fees will be paid (at home rate) and you will receive a tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26). We expect the stipend to increase each year.

We recommend that you apply early as the advert will be removed once the position has been filled.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.