Curtin University 2021 PhD Research Scholarship in Fluid-Structure Interaction

Three PhD students are sought to work on an Australian Research Council Discovery project entitled, “Fluid-Structure Interactions in Flows through Flexible-Walled Channels”, being undertaken by a team of researchers - A/Prof Ramesh Narayanaswamy, Dr Nima Nadim, and Dr Julien Cisonni - from Mechanical Engineering at Curtin University and led by John Curtin Distinguished Professor A.(Tony)D. Lucey.

The ARC-published project summary is as follows:

“This project seeks to deliver a definitive understanding of the behaviour of steady and pulsating fluid flow through compliant-walled channels and pipes. Novel theoretical stability-analyses and experimental investigations, complemented by targeted numerical simulations, will be developed and used to identify and categorise fluid- and wall-based wave-disturbances and their interactions. This can underpin the development of technologies that control these flows to advantage in both engineered fluid-flow and biologically occurring systems. Robust design guidelines will emerge to safeguard and enhance the use of compliant liners and flexible panels for drag and noise reductions, or to protect surfaces exposed to fluid flows.”

The three intersecting PhD projects lie in the broad areas of theoretical analyses (guided by A.D. Lucey), experimental investigation (guided by R. Narayanaswamy and J. Cisonni) and computational modelling and simulation (guided by N. Nadim and J. Cisonni) are overviewed below. Note that the PhD students may also have the opportunity to work with the team’s international Partner Investigators in the UK (Prof Chris Davies, Leicester University) and India (Prof Viswanathan Shankar, I.I.T. Kanpur).

• Table of Content
• About Curtin University
• PhD Research Scholarship in Fluid-Structure Interaction
• Aim and Benefits of PhD Research Scholarship in Fluid-Structure Interaction
• Requirements for PhD Research Scholarship in Fluid-Structure Interaction Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About Curtin University

PhD Research Scholarship in Fluid-Structure Interaction

Aim and Benefits of PhD Research Scholarship in Fluid-Structure Interaction

This scholarship provides a living stipend of $28,597 p.a. pro rata indexed, based on full-time studies, for up to a maximum of 3 years

Successful international students will be considered for a HDR tuition fee sponsorship, if successful in receiving the scholarship.

Requirements for PhD Research Scholarship in Fluid-Structure Interaction Qualification

The assessment of potential candidates is made primarily on the basis of academic results from Bachelor and Master degree studies. Special attention is paid to the following:

Essential

• Completion of a Bachelor (Honours) or Master by Research degree in Mechanical Engineering (PhDs1-3), Applied Mathematics (PhD1), Applied Physics (PhD1 and PhD3), or related disciplines.
• Specialised knowledge and skills (at final-year undergraduate or Masters level) in Fluid Mechanics and supporting knowledge of solid mechanics and vibration.
• Demonstrated knowledge in at least one of the three following areas: (i) PDEs, Stability and eigen-analysis for PhD1, (ii) Experimental design and measurement techniques (ideally, PIV) for PhD2, and (iii) Computational fluid dynamics and numerical methods for PhD3.
•  At minimum, a workable level of programming skills (e.g. C++, Matlab, Python).
• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills with very good proficiency in English.

Desirable

• Demonstrated knowledge of Fluid-Structure Interaction.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently (e.g. formulate and tackle research problems) and interact effectively with a research-project team. 
• Demonstrated academic research experience as evidenced by publications in journals or conferences.
• Be possessed of excellent organisational skills, analytical thinking, and able to multitask within tight time-frames

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Candidates are requested to send a (maximum) two-page document that addresses the selection criteria and outlines their motivation for PhD study in the area of the overall project. However, it is also essential to identify to which one (or more) of the PhD positions - PhD1, PhD2 or PhD3 – they are applying. Candidates are also required to provide a current curriculum vitae (CV or Resume) that outlines their academic record, work experience, and extra-curricular activities.

Please send your application (or enquiries regarding the scholarships) to Professors Lucey and Narayanaswamy at: [email protected] and [email protected]

For more details, visit Curtin University website.