Two PhD student positions in experimental fluid dynamics

The research in the newly established Multiphase Fluid Dynamics group examines both fundamental and applied questions in various small-​scale multiphase fluid phenomena, such as bubble and droplet dynamics and the resulting fast flows. One of our key objectives is to control bubble oscillations to exploit their energy-​focusing characteristics. We also develop experimental techniques to observe and characterise high-​speed multiphase fluid phenomena optically and acoustically. The group is part of the Institute of Fluid Dynamics, which pursues a broad range of experimental, numerical and theoretical research efforts in a friendly and inclusive environment with state-of-the-art infrastructure.

Acoustic droplet vaporisation (ADV) is the phase-change process of a low-boiling-point liquid droplet into a gas bubble activated by acoustic waves. They have similar extraordinary qualities to ultrasound contrast agent micro-bubbles, which can be injected into the bloodstream and are widely used to enhance contrast in medical ultrasound imaging and show great promise in a number of therapeutic applications, such as drug delivery and blood-brain barrier opening. However, phase-change agents are activated into bubbles in the focal zone of the ultrasound transducer only when acoustic energy of sufficient quantity is delivered, thus improving spatial and temporal precision.