EDEM Drag Force Model Investigation of Predict Pick-up Efficiency of Gravel
Applications are invited for one full-time PhD Studentship within Brunel Design School research and PhD programmes | Brunel University London funded by Bucher Municipal Ltd. Industrial partner and Brunel University London. The PhD studentship is for a period of three (3) years effective 1 October 2024. The successful applicant will receive an annual stipend (bursary) of £ 20,662 and the annual full-time tuition fee will be charged direct to the College.
The proposed project aims to investigate the experimental and EDEM drag force model in order to accurately predict the pick-up efficiency of gravels. By conducting a series of experiments and analysing the data obtained, it intends to assess the validity and reliability of the EDEM drag force model. This will involve comparing the predicted pick-up efficiency of gravels using the EDEM model with the actual experimental results. Through this investigation, it used to enhance the understanding of the underlying mechanisms governing gravel pick-up and improve the predictive capabilities of the EDEM drag force model.
Skills/Experience required:
- Excellent organisational, interpersonal and communication skills, along with a stated interest in drag force model and fluid mechanics research are essential.
- Experience/background in solid mechanics, CFD, EDEM, and experimental skills would be desirable.
Informal enquires may be addressed to Dr Liang Li by email to Liang.Li@brunel.ac.uk
Eligibility
Applicants will have or be expected to receive a minimum 2:1 or 1st class degree in industrial design engineering, mechanical engineering or a related engineering discipline. A Masters qualification is an advantage but not essential. This position is open to worldwide candidates
How to apply
Please e-mail your application comprising of all the documents listed below in ONE PDF file to
cedps-pgr-office@brunel.ac.uk by noon on 1 May 2024:
- Your up-to-date CV;
- A research statement of 500-1,000 words setting out your project ideas;
- A one A4 page personal statement setting out why you are a suitable candidate (i.e.: your skills and experience);
- A copy of your degree certificate(s) and full transcript (s);
- Names and contact details for two academic referees;
- Evidence of English language capability to IELTS 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in all sections), if applicable.
Interviews will take place during early February 2024.
Liang Li - Dr Liang Li has extensive expertise in both academic and industrial settings, specialising in energy storage and conversion systems, heat exchanger design, and advanced thermodynamic power cycles. He has successfully secured research funding from prominent UK and international organisations, including the Royal Society and Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowships, to advance innovation in sustainable energy technologies. His research includes developing and validating heat pump systems incorporating microchannel heat exchangers and innovative nanofluids, solar-powered energy storage solutions, and nano-enhanced phase change materials for thermal energy storage.
Dr Li actively supervises PhD students, leading research projects in drag force modelling, building energy efficiency, and renewable energy harvesting technologies. His considerable publication record in esteemed journals such as Applied Thermal Engineering and Applied Energy highlights his influential contributions to sustainable energy research. Dr Li is a Chartered Engineer (CEng), a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA), and an active member of prominent professional organisations, including the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).