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PhD Studentship - Hydrodynamic Drag Reduction for Underwater and Surface Vehicles

Employer
University of Southampton
Location
Southampton, United Kingdom
Closing date
Aug 31, 2021
Supervisory Team: Robert Wood and Bharath Ganapathisubramani

Project description

The hydrodynamic drag experienced by moving underwater and surface vehicles can have a significant impact on their mission energy budgets in to propelling them through the oceanic fluidic medium, with the drag and the required power increasing non-linearly with the speed of travel. The proposed topic of research is to; comprehensively investigate relevant mechanisms (e.g. vehicle's shape, length, type of flow, speed, etc.) contributing to the drag, their level of impact on the overall drag experienced, methods of mitigating drag using technological advances in materials, deposition and manufacturing techniques, e.g. to actively change the surface smoothness with speed. The development of robust, easy-to-use, economical surveillance techniques for monitoring the state of surface smoothness/corrosion in direct contact with oceanic water to aid in long-term maintenance of the vehicle would also be an area of interest. Successful candidates would have a strong background in engineering and preference would be given to those with good understanding of fluid mechanics, surface science, tribology and materials. This project will be funded by BAEsystems under the EPSRC iCASE scheme and will involve collaboration with BAESystems Maritime services at Portsmouth.

Professor Robert J K Wood | Engineering | University of Southampton

Professor Bharathram Ganapathisubramani | Engineering | University of Southampton

national Centre for Advanced Tribology at Southampton (nCATS) | Engineering | University of Southampton

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact r.wood, nCATS research group, Email: r.wood@soton.ac.uk , Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 4881.

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date: applications should be received no later than 31 August 2021 for standard admissions, but later applications may be considered depending on the funds remaining in place.

Funding: For UK students, Tuition Fees and a stipend of £15,285 tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years.

We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

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