Sustainable delivery of materials through spray coating

Many materials have additional protection through modifying their surface properties. This PhD examines the fluid mechanics of this process. This protection is important as the combined choice of the underlying material and the surface treatment influences the longevity, the cost and ultimately the environmental impact. A perfect example would be a container ship &ndash; the protection of the steel is key in creating a cost-effective hull, with longevity that protects both the ship and the environment. <br /> <br /> This specific project is to address the link between the &lsquo;rheology&rsquo; of the paint and its performance during its coating. The rheology captures the complex structure of the material &ndash; for example how it might change its viscosity during its coating. In this work we will be examining the use of spray coating, which brings benefits of speed and is finding wide application including in the buildings industry. We will be designing new equipment capable of capturing the very fast dynamics of droplets formed during this process using a mixture of high-speed photography, stroboscopic imaging and performance testing. Your work will see you examining how small amounts of functional additives change this performance &ndash; and ultimately affect the environmental impact of the process. <br /> <br /> This is a unique opportunity to work with a world-leading industrial partner. The project is in collaboration with Akzo Nobel who will provide industrial direction and technical support. There will be opportunity for an industrial placement (which is funded) to provide a stronger understanding of industrial practices.<br /> <br /> Within the University of Leeds, the project will run within the faculty of Engineering where there is excellent experimental support including workshop facilities to support the development of new approaches to exploring fluid mechanics in general. The supervision team have shared ongoing projects, and you will join a dynamic research team spanning a range of subjects, giving you a rich academic and supportive environment. <br />

<p>Here is a little more about the working environment. <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering">The School of Mechanical Engineering</a> will be the home school, but you will work freely across research groups including the <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering-research-thermofluids/doc/institute-thermofluids">Institute of Thermofluids</a> and with colleagues in the <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/chemical-engineering">School of Chemical Engineering</a>.</p> <p>Our facilities are impressive &ndash;&nbsp;we have excellent workshop facilities including access to state-of-the-art machining (additive manufacture and subtractive manufacture), knowledge of fundamental fluid flow, materials characterisation (including advanced measurement suites for solid and liquids)&nbsp;and technicians to support your work. There are state-of-the-art facilities for characterising materials in many ways and access to high-speed photography equipment..</p> <p>There is a core supervision team of Professor Nikil Kapur, Dr Nicholas Warren and Dr Olivier Cayre. We have been working together for 5 years over which time we have developed a close working relationship and enjoy the challenges of this multidisciplinary research. You will work with other PhDs and postdoctoral researchers who will form a rich academic environment in which to carry out your research. In addition, by working with Akzo Nobel, you will gain unique insight into an important industry. What is really exciting is that your work will be immediately relevant and have a wide impact<span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif">.</span></span></p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University&#39;s website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying to <em><strong>PHD Mechanical Engineering FT</strong></em> and in the research information section&nbsp;that the research degree you wish to be considered for is &nbsp;<em><strong>Sustainable delivery of materials through spray coating</strong></em>&nbsp;as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/staff/168/professor-nikil-kapur">Professor Nik Kapur</a>&nbsp;as your proposed supervisor. Please state clearly in the Finance section that the funding source you are applying for is <em><strong>EPSRC Industrial Case Studentship (Mechanical Engineering)</strong></em>.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University&#39;s minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis. &nbsp;Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. &nbsp;We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of 29 February 2024:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p>A highly competitive EPSRC Industrial Case Award in partnership with Akzo Nobel, offering the award of fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant of &pound;19,237 and an additional Top-Up of &pound;4,000 per year for 4 years.&nbsp; Generous Training, Support and Industrial Placement will also be provided.<br /> <br /> This opportunity is open to UK applicants only.<br /> <br /> Please refer to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a>&nbsp;website for&nbsp;information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information about your application, please contact Doctoral College Admissions by email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk" title="Contact Civil">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a>&nbsp;</p> <p>If you have any questions about this project, or wish to informally discuss it, please don&rsquo;t hesitate to contact Professor Nik Kapur by email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:n.kapur@leeds.ac.uk">n.kapur@leeds.ac.uk</a>&nbsp;in School of Mechanical Engineering or Dr Nick Warren &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:n.warren@leeds.ac.uk">n.warren@leeds.ac.uk</a>&nbsp;in Chemical &amp; Process Engineering.</p> <p>.</p>