Natural circulation loops (NCL) will be an essential component in the safe and reliable operation of Generation III+ and IV nuclear reactor designs, including High Temperature Gas-Cooled reactors (HTGR), Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR), Lead-Cooled Fast Reactors (LFR) and Molten-Salt Reactors (MSR). Despite conceptual simplicity, NCLs are highly susceptible to instabilities, producing a wide and complex range of flow behaviours. Current numerical modelling of NCLs within industry employs System Codes, which rely heavily on empirical and scale-dependent correlations obtained via experimentation.
Unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) approaches, along with Large Eddy Simulation, have demonstrated maturity in the prediction of many buoyancy-driven flows but require extensive validation. Two- and three-dimensional Computational Fluids Dynamics (CFD) studies conducted at the University of Manchester (Wilsimon et al. 2023, Wilson et al. 2024, Katsamis et al. 2022) highlighted the unsteady, complex and varied flow behaviours present, and the lack of CFD-grade experimental data for reliable validation of numerical methods. In parallel to the CFD research, the Thermo-Fluids group at the University of Manchester is developing a novel modular experimental facility to generate this much needed, high-quality, validation data.
The proposed PhD project will start by using data generated by the new experimental NCL facility to validate a wide range of Unsteady RANS approaches, with special emphasis placed on the modelling of near-wall turbulence. The project will also aim to identify areas for additional model development and propose further experimental or numerical investigations to support this development.
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.
The project is suitable for Engineering or Physics graduates, with a strong background in Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer and preferably with experience in computational modelling. It will involve the use of open-source computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes, turbulence modelling and the application of different near-wall treatments. It will also require the development of good programming skills (ideally C/C++ and Python/MATLAB or similar), good communication skills, the ability to work independently and a willingness to engage with industrial partners.
Funding
At Manchester we offer a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level, to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers applying for competition and self-funded projects.
For more information, visit our funding page or search our funding database for specific scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.
Before you apply
We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor(s) 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.
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.
We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.
