A PhD studentship is available in the Energy Technology research group, School of Engineering Sciences of the University of Southampton. The studentship fully covers University tuition fees (at EU/UK level**) and provides a tax-free bursary of £12,940 per year, rising annually in line with the UK Government (EPSRC) recommended rate, for a 3-year duration.

**EU/UK fees £3300 p.a., overseas fee £13,480 p.a. (all figures subject to increase).

Additional funding for fees may be available to exceptional overseas applicants.

Project description:

The project targets the hydrodynamic aspects of the oil extraction process, which, in general, includes two stages: dissolution of oil and displacement of a solution from porous media. The focus is, therefore, twofold: (i) to develop and verify a theoretical model for an evolving miscible interface, and (ii) to provide a model for the miscible displacement from the porous volume. The final goal is to construct the dynamic network model of oil dissolution from porous media. We will develop a numerical code to resolve solvent/solute flows within a single element of the network, and will combine the results into macroscopic network. The theoretical model will be verified by a series of experiments.

The project will help to predict the rate of oil dissolution from porous media, and its dependence on time, injection flux, wetting conditions, etc. We will determine the physical conditions, the time, and volume of solvent required for efficient complete or partial solvent extraction or cleaning. The results will be valuable for modelling of the various industrial processes, including the vegetable solvent extraction, enhanced oil recovery and enhanced aquifer remediation in which the miscible injection is used.

A PhD student will be primarily hired for fulfilling the experimental work, however, s/he can be also involved in running the numerical simulations. A hard-working student with good background in Physics, and especially in Fluid Mechanics is sought. The experimental part will mostly involve the visualization techniques (training will be provided). Knowledge of one of the programming languages (Fortran or C) would be an advantage.

Entry requirements: The studentship is available to candidates with the equivalent of a first class or upper second class degree in relevant disciplines, e.g. physics, engineering. This vacancy can be filled in between 1 February and 1 September 2009.

To apply:

Please send your CV, contact details of at least one person that would write a letter of recommendation, and a short personal statement stating why you want to do a PhD and what attracts you to this project to Dr Anatoliy Vorobev, e-mail: A.Vorobev@soton.ac.uk, who will provide a further guidance through the application procedure.

The School of Engineering Sciences offers expertise in engineering disciplines that underpin every aspect of twenty-first century life. Evolving from its traditional engineering roots, the School continues to expand into new, exciting research areas. From orthopaedic implant modelling and modern fuel cell technologies, to enhancing satellite broadcast technology and improving the aerodynamics of Formula One racing cars and hydrodynamics of America's Cup yachts, the School is always at the leading edge of engineering research. The positive impact of the School's work is felt both at home and across the globe. We are also committed to addressing major scientific and technological issues relating to energy and sustainability that are affecting the world today.

The School benefits from being able to use and develop the most advanced computer modelling techniques, and has extensive laboratory and experimental facilities. Staff work at the forefront of their disciplines and the School is amongst the few top grade 5* rated units in the country. It has strong links across the University and, because of its diverse nature, the School is able to offer a multi-disciplinary approach to all its research and teaching activities as well as its interactions with industry.