About the Project
Coffee, breakfast cereal and sand and gravel are common examples of granular materials that we encounter in our everyday lives, but they are used extensively by industry in the manufacture of nearly everything that we use. The grains often differ in size and/or density, and this can lead to particle segregation. This is useful for separating materials in the mining and bulk chemical industries, but can also lead to flowability problems and product degradation in other manufacturing processes.…
Existing continuum theories for particle-segregation assume that the granular material is incompressible, however, in reality the solids volume fraction changes in response to the shear-rate and the applied pressure. Indeed, recent fluid-like theories for the granular flow need to dilate and contract to maintain mathematical well-posed, i.e. bounded growth rates of small perturbations. The aim of this project is to generalize the theory of particle segregation to include compressibility and couple the resulting equations to well-posed compressible theories for the bulk flow. The project will use Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations and small-scale experiments (performed in our granular laboratory in the Department of Physics & Astronomy) to help guide the development of the theoretical model. The project will also develop of numerical methods to solve the resulting continuum equations. The ultimate goal is to provide tools that industry can use to help design industrial processes and make them more efficient.
This project is expected to start in September 2027.
Before you apply: We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply.
How to apply: To be considered for this project you must complete a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account this link will directly open an application for PhD School of Natural Sciences Scholarships. If you don’t already have an applicant account, please follow the instructions here.
When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing your motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications. Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status.
We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder.
Eligibility: The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree (or international equivalent) in Mathematics, Physics or Engineering OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit (or international equivalent) in Mathematics, Physics or Engineering.
This project will remain open until filled.
If your application is submitted by 1st November 2026, you can expect a decision by 18th December 2026.
If your application is submitted by 15th January 2027, you can expect a decision by 30th March 2027.
Self or externally funded students can also be considered for this project.
FSE_SoNS
Funding Notes
Funding covers tuition fees, an annual stipend at the UKRI minimum rate (currently £21,805 per year), and a research training support grant of up to £2,500 per year for the full 3.5-year programme.