At a Glance
- Tasks: Explore the physics of intermediate-strain turbulence through innovative laboratory experiments.
- Company: Join a leading research team at Imperial College London.
- Benefits: Receive full tuition coverage and a tax-free stipend of £23,805 annually.
- Other info: Work under expert supervision with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Contribute to groundbreaking research that could revolutionise turbulence modelling in engineering.
- Qualifications: Must have a First class honours degree in Engineering, Applied Mathematics or Physics.
The predicted salary is between 23805 - 23805 £ per year.
Start date: Between 1st August 2027 and 1st July 2028
Application deadline: 23:59 on 4th January 2027 (UK time)
Introduction: Richard Feynman famously quoted ‘turbulence is the most important unsolved problem of classical physics’. Understanding and modelling turbulent flow physics will unlock a vast potential for optimising many applications of the energy and transportation sectors. While the last century has produced breakthroughs in our understanding of turbulent flows, these are confined in two extreme and polar-opposite regimes: when turbulence is highly or when it is lowly strained. Still, the physics of the in-between regime of intermediate-strain, which is critical for a wide variety of engineering and environmental applications, remains unexplored.
This project will focus on uncovering the physics of intermediate-strain turbulent wakes. Apart from being of interest from a fundamental perspective, such wake conditions are widely encountered in automotive, aeronautical and wind engineering applications among many others. Various bluff bodies will be tested in the lab, carefully designed so that their near wakes produce average strain rates that vary from low to high levels. You will then document the failure of classical theories to describe intermediate strain regimes. The produced data-set will subsequently be utilized to develop a novel theoretical framework for intermediate strain turbulence, based on the concept of ‘simple transportation of energy’ recently proposed by the PI, and validated for the simpler case of homogenous decaying turbulence.
The project will rely on laboratory experiments, conducted in the state-of-the-art wind tunnel facilities of the Aeronautics Department, and will utilize high speed particle image velocimetry to characterize 2D and 3D turbulent velocity fields. The proposed work falls under the theme of the ERC project ONSET awarded to the PI and its successful conclusion could potentially lay the basis for the development of novel turbulence closure models for intermediate strain conditions, where current models are known to be inaccurate.
Supervisors: Dr. Kostas Steiros
Duration: 3.5 years.
Funding: Full coverage of tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend of £23,805 for Home, EU and International students.
Eligibility: Due to the competitive nature of our studentships, candidates will be expected to achieve/have achieved a First class honours MEng/MSci or higher degree (or international equivalent) in: Engineering, Applied Mathematics or Physics.
Contact: For more information about a specific project, email: Dr. Kostas Steiros. For admissions questions, please first read our Frequently Asked Questions. If your question has not been answered, please email the PhD Administrator (Admissions).
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: Imperial is committed to equality and valuing diversity. We are an Athena SWAN Silver Award winner, a Stonewall Diversity Champion, a Disability Confident Employer and are working in partnership with GIRES to promote respect for trans people.
PhD Studentship in Aeronautics: Turbulence under Strain (AE0096) in London employer: Imperial College London
Imperial College London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the International Relations Office. Employees benefit from professional growth opportunities, a commitment to diversity, and the chance to engage in meaningful projects that have a global impact, all set in the heart of one of the world's leading academic institutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship in Aeronautics: Turbulence under Strain (AE0096) in London
✨Connect with University Networks
Let’s leverage your university connections! Many universities have aerospace engineering societies or workshops where major companies often scout for talent. Give those events a go, and don’t hesitate to chat with guest lecturers or industry professionals — they might just know about upcoming internships!
✨Get Involved in Relevant Projects
Hands-on experience is key in aerospace engineering! Look for summer projects, competitions, or even university research roles that showcase your skills. The more you can demonstrate practical experience, the better your chances at landing that internship!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Aerospace
Join online communities focused on aerospace engineering, like forums or LinkedIn groups. Participate in discussions and share your projects or insights. This visibility can set you apart and get you noticed by recruiters looking for passionate interns like you!
✨Consider Local Aerospace Events
Keep an eye out for aerospace expos or job fairs in your area. These are excellent opportunities to network face-to-face with potential employers. Bring some copies of your CV, and don't forget to mention that you're eyeing an internship with companies like Imperial College London!
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship in Aeronautics: Turbulence under Strain (AE0096) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Relevant Skills:In aerospace engineering, it's key to highlight your technical skills upfront. Make sure to mention any design software you’ve used, like CATIA or SolidWorks, and detail any projects you’ve worked on, whether in university or personal endeavours. It shows you're ready to hit the ground running!
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Since this is an internship, we want to see your learning potential. Focus on relevant coursework, projects, and any hands-on experience in aerospace or engineering. Don't forget to include extracurricular activities like joining engineering clubs or competitions that can showcase your passion for the field!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Here’s your chance to tell your story! Explain why aerospace engineering excites you and what you hope to learn from Imperial College London. Be genuine about your motivation and don’t shy away from sharing specific goals you have for the internship — it helps us see your enthusiasm and how you could fit our team!
Include Academic Achievements:Your academic record can make a real difference, especially for an internship. Highlight any relevant courses you excelled in and include your grades, particularly in maths and physics. If you’ve participated in research or published any papers, be sure to mention them as well — it gives us an insight into your technical background!
How to prepare for a job interview at Imperial College London
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Fundamentals
Since we're diving into the world of aerospace engineering, make sure you're solid on the core concepts. Expect questions on aerodynamics, materials science, and propulsion systems. It’ll give you a great chance to showcase your knowledge and passion for the field!
✨Showcase Your Projects
As an intern, what they want to see is your potential and enthusiasm! Prepare a portfolio of relevant projects or coursework. Even if they’re just uni assignments, if you got into the nitty-gritty details, it shows you’ve got the skills we need to develop further.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Aerospace engineering often involves tackling complex problems, so be ready for some situational questions. You might be asked to solve a hypothetical engineering challenge on the spot, so think through your problem-solving process and be clear in your explanations.
✨Convey Your Learning Mindset
As this is an internship, they'll be looking for candidates who are eager to learn and grow. Be prepared to talk about what you want to achieve during your internship at Imperial College London. Show them that you’re keen to absorb knowledge from their expertise in the industry, and how those experiences will shape your career.
