Impact of Fluids of Different Densities
Loughborough UniversityLoughborough, United Kingdom
Course overview
The impact of two bodies of liquid, such as droplets, is a phenomenon that occurs widely in nature and in engineering applications, from waves breaking onto layers of marine biological matter to streams of different inks in additive manufacturing. Impacts are notoriously complicated problems to study, with rapid topological changes occurring over disparate length scales. For example, in wave impact, the size of the wavefront may be orders of magnitude larger than the spray thrown up post-impact.
Impacts may therefore be challenging to capture using direct numerical simulations or in laboratory experiments. It is here that mathematical modelling can excel. In many applications, it is the early stages of the impact that capture the critical physical phenomena, such as the formation of splash or spray and the subsequent breakup of the splash into smaller satellite droplets.
In this project, we will seek to extend existing models of liquid–liquid impact to scenarios in which the density of the fluids is allowed to change. We will build upon inviscid Wagner theory for impact dynamics by accounting for such density differences and including the effects of viscosity and surface tension in the fluids where necessary. The successful applicant will need to have experience in fluid dynamics and mathematical modelling, while knowledge of asymptotic methods and complex variable methods will be highly beneficial.
94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021
Key highlights
- Mathematical modelling of liquid–liquid impacts between fluids of different densities
- Extends inviscid Wagner theory to account for density differences
- Incorporates viscosity and surface tension effects where necessary
- Focuses on early-stage impact phenomena such as splash and spray formation
- Applications span wave impact and multi-ink additive manufacturing
- 94% of research impact rated world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)
Entry requirements
- IELTS: 6.5 — 6.5 The standard University IELTS English language requirement is 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each individual element (reading, writing, listening and speaking).
Scholarships
Alumni Bursary
10% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
Up to 10% of feesAlumni Discount
UK students: £1,500 tuition fee discount for one academic year. International students: £3,000 tuition fee discount for one academic year.
Care Leaver's Scholarship
Excellence Scholarships
UK students: £3,000 off tuition fees; International students: £6,000 off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary
Our International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary offers a £12,000 tuition fee discount (set against the tuition fees of your chosen postgraduate taught programme ONLY).
Up to £12,000London 10th Anniversary Award
£5,000 off tuition fees.
Up to £5,000Loughborough Business School Scholarship
£1,500 (UK students) and £3,000 (international students) off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
MBA Progress with Purpose Scholarship
50% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
Up to 50% of feesQatari Ghanim Al-Muftah Excellence Scholarship
Careers this course leads to
- Postdoctoral Research Associate in Fluid Dynamics
- University Lecturer in Applied Mathematics
- Computational Fluid Dynamics Engineer
- Mathematical Modeller
- Research Scientist
Cost of study
UK/Home: £5,238 | International: £23,100
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Loughborough University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
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