Dynamics and control of high-Reynolds-number turbulence

Wall turbulence is a critically important phenomenon for any system where fluid flows past an object. Wall turbulence is responsible for 90% of the drag experienced by a large crude tanker, to give just one example. It has long been understood that coherent structures play an important role in wall turbulence, but recent results have shown that coherent structures are larger, more organized, and more dynamically important than previously thought, particularly at Reynolds numbers of practical interest.

In light of these new discoveries, this project aims to leverage the world-leading research facilities available at the University of Melbourne, together with newly-developed techniques for reduced-order modelling and control of fluid flows, to investigate novel ways to control wall turbulence by exploiting the presence of these large-scale structures. A particularly exciting aspect of this project is its interdisciplinary nature, combining methods from dynamical systems and fluid mechanics by applying sophisticated techniques from dynamics and control to high-Reynolds-number turbulent flows. This will ultimately lead to significant reductions in the drag and fuel burnt by transport vehicles.

The University of Melbourne is ranked number 1 in Australia and number 33 in the world by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. The university is located centrally in Melbourne, which has been ranked the most livable city in the world for four consecutive years (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014).

You should have a first-class Honours degree or international equivalent in Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related subject.