Gas flow Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the upper airway and Computational Fluid Dynamic modelling of airflow during Above Cuff Vocalisation

PGR-P-2218

Key facts

Type of research degree: Integrated PhD and Master
Application deadline: Wednesday 8 April 2026
Project start date: Thursday 1 October 2026
Country eligibility: International (open to all nationalities, including the UK)
Funding: Funded
Source of funding: Centre for doctoral training
Supervisors: Dr Zinedine Khatir
Schools: School of Mathematics
Research groups/institutes: Institute of Fluid Dynamics

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Summary</h2>

The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Fluid Dynamics is now recruiting to this fantastic PhD opportunity in partnership with Atos Medical Ltd. As a student on the CDT, you will participate in a four year programme that combines an integrated MSc (completed over the first two years) paired with a three year PhD-level research programme. This gives you a combination of bespoke taught modules and inter-disciplinary research training. You will be part of a supportive cohort of research students with different academic backgrounds, all focusing on different aspects of Fluid Dynamics. During the taught aspects of your course you will receive a range of tailored seminars, lectures and practical laboratories to cover the computational, experimental and analytical aspects of Fluid Dynamics. This provides you with a strong background to the fundamentals of Fluid Dynamics. In addition, you will have access to a wide range of personal development activities.

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Full description</h2>

Please visit the <a href="https://fluid-dynamics.leeds.ac.uk/">EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Fluid Dynamics</a> website to find out more about the programme. The PhD Project: Gas flow Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the upper airway and Computational Fluid Dynamic modelling of airflow during Above Cuff Vocalisation Above cuff vocalization (ACV) is a technique which can allow a tracheostomy patient to speak. It involves the external application of an airflow (oxygen or medical air) via the subglottic port of a tracheostomy tube. This airflow exits above the inflated tracheostomy cuff, or balloon, and passes through the larynx (voice box) providing the potential for patients to be able to vocalise. There is a lack of evidence or guidance for the specific airflow application. Furthermore, healthcare professionals have raised concerns about the application of high flow rates or application during swallowing, when there is nowhere for the air to escape. The primary research objective for this project is to provide clinical guidance for safe and effective airflow delivery during ACV with different tracheostomy tube designs and sizes. This project will entail using gas flow MRI imaging of healthy individuals and patients with a tracheostomy to develop and validate a CFD model of the airway. The model will then be used to evaluate the fluid dynamics of ACV under different conditions to provide specific clinical guidelines for ACV airflow application. Outcomes will provide specific information relating to the safety of ACV use, which has already been demonstrated to be of clinical benefit for patients with a tracheostomy. The complex fluid sciences-based multidisciplinary nature of the project will lead to safer procedure and practice towards patient-specific medical guidance. Project aims: Currently the clinical application of above cuff vocalization (ACV) varies widely. Complications and adverse events do occur with ACV and clinicians have requested more guidance to improve ACV safety. The primary research objective is to provide clinical guidance for safe and effective airflow delivery during ACV with different tracheostomy tube designs and sizes with these specific aims: <ol> <li style="margin-right: -1px; margin-bottom: 11px; margin-left: -1px;">Gas flow MRI imaging and 1H MRI upper airway anatomy pilot study with CFD validation in six healthy individuals and two patients with a tracheostomy to: i) provide trachea dimensions; ii) explore airflow in healthy individuals; and iii) explore airflow during ACV in patients with a tracheostomy</li> <li style="margin-right: -1px; margin-bottom: 11px; margin-left: -1px;">Develop CFD models of the healthy human trachea and subglottic space using the MRI data</li> <li style="margin-right: -1px; margin-bottom: 11px; margin-left: -1px;">Develop CFD models of a human trachea and subglottic space with a tracheostomy tube in situ using the MRI data</li> <li style="margin-right: -1px; margin-bottom: 11px; margin-left: -1px;">Use the developed models to: i) evaluate the fluid dynamics of ACV with different airflow rates and, ii) compare continuous versus intermittent airflow delivery when delivered in different tracheostomy tube designs and sizes. i.e., A parametric/CFD-based optimisation framework is implemented inferring various conditions.</li> </ol> Various CFD models will be built based on specific data collected directly from patients and healthy participants. CFD offers a low-cost and less invasive approach to provide clear and reliable guidance for clinicians on how to apply ACV safely and effectively. This newly developed guidance will be immediately implementable into clinical practice and will provide specific advice for different tracheostomy tube brands and designs. Specifically, CFD simulations of a range of tracheostomy tube designs and sizes will provide specific airflow parameter guidance for individual tracheostomy tubes to support clinicians to provide ACV safely and effectively. Leeds Institute for Fluid Dynamics (LIFD) CDT students will also benefit from membership of the Leeds Institute for Fluid Dynamics (LIFD), a cross-disciplinary research institute bringing together the expertise of over 200 researchers from 12 Schools in 4 Faculties at the University of Leeds. The institute provides a hub to facilitate world-leading research and education in fluid dynamics and to bring interdisciplinary perspectives to complex flow challenges. Please visit our <a href="https://fluids.leeds.ac.uk/">Leeds Institute for Fluid Dynamics</a> website for further information. ABOUT THE PROGRAMME The <a href="https://fluid-dynamics.leeds.ac.uk/">EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Fluid Dynamics</a> offers a four-year programme that combines an integrated MSc (completed over the first two years) paired with a three-year PhD-level research programme. A key feature of this EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) is that your supervisory team come from a range of disciplines from across the University. You will therefore be expected to have broad interests and be willing to learn beyond your core expertise. There will also be the expectation that you will spend an extended period working with either an industrial, environmental or external academic partner as part of your project. You will be part of a cohort of research students with different academic backgrounds, all focusing on different aspects of fluid dynamics. During the selection process we will be looking for students who will be enthusiastic about learning with and from their peers, as well as the ability to undertake their own in-depth research. In the CDT, you will gain key technical and transferable skills for a successful career in industry or academia. Alongside computational, modelling, and experimental methods, you will also develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving abilities. The major research areas are encompassed in eight cross-disciplinary themes: <ul> <li>Advanced Manufacturing</li> <li>Astrophysics and Geophysics</li> <li>Buildings & Cities</li> <li>Clean Energy</li> <li>Climate & Weather</li> <li>Environmental Flows</li> <li>Health</li> <li>Transport</li> </ul> Future Fluid Dynamics is a crucial discipline for the UK and globally, with significant applications across diverse industries and research domains. It plays a vital role in addressing contemporary societal challenges. It is essential to delivering the clean energy transition, whether through wind, wave or tidal generation, obtaining energy from fusion, or the transport and combustion of greener fuels and carbon capture and storage. In healthcare, fluid dynamics controls oxygen and nutrient transport in the cardiovascular system, the airborne transmission of pathogens and pollutants, and is integral to microfluidics devices for point-of-care diagnostic testing and personalised care. Fluid dynamics is vital to our understanding and mitigation of climate change, capturing the intricacy of extreme earth and space weather events and quantifying uncertainty in environmental flows. Watch our <a href="https://mymedia.leeds.ac.uk/Mediasite/Play/29394cbd82da4021927e59987f2bd2f61d">recorded webinar</a> - meet the Programme Director and learn more about the programme. The programme is available to study part-time or full-time. Please get in touch with us if you would like to discuss this. Alumni Testimonials Hannah Kreczak, student alumni “I feel that the programme offers excellent experience in applications of academic research in both academia and industry.” Rob Kelly, student alumni “Being part of a cohort has been great, especially working alongside people from different academic backgrounds.” Athena SWAN Silver Award The Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award in recognition of our success in recruiting, retaining and developing/promoting women in Science, Engineering and Technology.

<h2 class="heading">How to apply</h2>

All student are recruited to the CDT via two options: 1) Recruitment to industry specific research areas (closing date: Wednesday 8 April 2026 at 23:59), (UK and International) or 2) Research project chosen in semester 2 rather than at recruitment stage (closing date: Friday 10 April 2026 at 23:59), (UK Only). To apply online, please complete a <a href="https://studentservices.leeds.ac.uk/pls/banprod/bwskalog_uol.P_DispLoginNon" title="External link to www.leeds.ac.uk. Opens in a new browser window">formal application for Integrated PhD study</a> <ul> <li>Select ‘Research Postgraduate’ for type of form.</li> <li>Please select ‘EPSRC CDT Fluid Dynamics’ as the course.</li> <li>Start date: 1 October 2026 (Please note: induction activities will take place towards the end of September).</li> <li>If you are applying for a specific project, please add the title of CDT Fluid Dynamics in the Finance Section and the name of the project in the Research Area section of your application form. If you are applying for the programme, please add the title of CDT Fluid Dynamics in both the Finance section and Research Area section of the application form. </li> <li>Please include a completed <a href="https://fluid-dynamics.leeds.ac.uk/programme/">Future Fluid Dynamics CDT Personal Statement Proforma</a> (found in the ‘how to apply’ section) – A Research Proposal is not required. </li> <li>Please include a CV</li> <li>Please include all transcripts and certificates for your degree(s) including the grading scheme.</li> <li>After you submit your PhD application on-line you may get a message requesting you to send hard copies of your degree transcripts and references in sealed envelopes. Please ignore this. We do not require hard copies of your degree documents at the application stage, we only require these when you arrive in Leeds to register for your programme.</li> <li>References are requested by the Admissions team on your behalf if you are shortlisted for interview. Your referees are emailed a Faculty Reference Form to complete and return by email. If your referees want to provide their reference on headed paper an emailed scan is sufficient for our purpose.</li> </ul> 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.

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Entry requirements</h2>

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.

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">English language requirements</h2>

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.

<h2 class="heading">Funding on offer</h2>

A highly competitive EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Fluid Dynamics studentship in collaboration with ATOS Medical Ltd, providing full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate of £21,805 per year for 4 years. Training and support will also be provided. You will be responsible for paying the overtime fee in full in your writing up/overtime year (£340 in Session 2025/26). This opportunity is open to all applicants, with a very small number of awards for Non-UK nationals. All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Fluid Dynamics Studentship Competition and selection is based on academic merit. Important: Please note that that the award does not cover the costs associated with moving to the UK. All such costs (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, Immigration Health Surcharge</a>, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source. Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.

<h2 class="heading">Contact details</h2>

If you have any questions directly relating to the project, please contact <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/staff/808/zinedine-khatir">Dr Zinedine Khatir</a> by email to <a href="mailto:Z.Khatir@leeds.ac.uk">Z.Khatir@leeds.ac.uk</a> If you require any further information on the research area, please contact the CDT Programme Support Team by email to <a href="mailto:fluid-dynamics@leeds.ac.uk">fluid-dynamics@leeds.ac.uk</a> or call us on +44 (0)113 343 5449 For further information on how to apply, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a>

<h3 class="heading heading--sm">Linked funding opportunities</h3>