(UoM – IIT KGP) Particle Transport in realistic ocean environments

Understanding how particles are transported by ocean waves and currents is of critical importance for a wide range of areas, from designing offshore structures (e.g. offshore wind turbines) to understanding sediment transport, microplastic dispersion and the health and behaviours of underwater ecosystems. Understanding is, however, limited for realistic ocean environments and realistic particle size distributions. There have been several barriers to accurately numerical modelling these problems ranging from a lack of appropriate theory to provide boundary conditions, to a lack of appropriate modelling architectures to capture the multi-scale complex interplay between waves, sheared currents, and turbulence at all relevant scales.

This project will bring together state-of-the-art theoretical developments in wave plus sheared current flows, and simulation methods to address the outstanding questions regarding these processes in realistic ocean environments. For example, what is the effect of vertically sheared currents on particle transport and drift in waves? How do waves and currents influence turbulence statistics and anisotropy, and how does this affect the dispersion characteristics of particles? These factors are often omitted yet are known to play a considerable role on ocean kinematics and associated particle transport. A combination of analytical models and novel high-order numerical simulation methods will be developed to tackle this problem. We will perform Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) of the Navier Stokes equations to quantify the effect of both large-scale (waves, sheared currents, larger turbulent structures) and microscale turbulent phenomena on stochastic particle transport. This will be conducted over a range of realistic conditions and particle properties.

The resulting analytical and numerical models, and associated outputs, will have broad applicability and implications across areas in ocean and coastal engineering and oceanography. Through this project, we aim to transform our understanding of particle dispersion in the oceans. 

Before you apply  

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor(s) for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project. 

How to apply 

You will need to submit an online application through the IIT Kharagpur’s website here: https://international.iitkgp.ac.in/admission/jdp-uoman/ They also list documents which will be required

If you require an English qualification to study in the UK, you can apply now and send this in at a later date. 

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact the admissions team(s) by email: 

– University of Manchester: fse.doctoralacademy.specialistprogrammes@manchester.ac.uk 

– IIT Kharagpur: ir-office@adm.iitkgp.ac.in 

Eligibility 

1. Candidates may only apply for projects approved by the Joint Academic Board. 

2. For Indian residents, the programme is open to graduates B.Tech. or M.Sc./M.Tech. graduate from any Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) with a minimum CGPA of 7.5 on a scale of 10. 

3. For residents of other countries, it is open to graduates of Institutes/Universities within QS WUR of 500 (published in 2024) [link: https://www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings/2024]. 

4. Candidates must be able to undertake PhD studies at IIT Kharagpur from July 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter with no requirement for a (further) visa to study in India. 

5. Willingness to travel to the UK to undertake 2 years of study based at The University of Manchester if such travel is permitted by UK and India governments. 

6. Holds or expects to obtain a 2:1 class honours undergraduate degree or higher (or international equivalent – contact the Admissions Team for details). 

7. Ideally Preferably holds a master’s-level qualification at merit or distinction (or international equivalent – contact the Admissions Team for details). 

8. Demonstrable excellent communication skills, including in English language, a proficiency in which should be demonstrably indicated by meeting the requirements as indicated our English language requirements page [link: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/admissions/language-requirements/], and in particular securing an IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component OR securing a TOEFL iBT score of 90 with no less than 20 in each component equivalent or equivalent. The TOEFL/IELTS exam may be taken after the final selection and award of scholarship, and prior to joining IIT Kharagpur. 

9. For some projects an ATAS certificate may also be required by them. 

10. Demonstrate to fulfil The University of Manchester Faculty of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Researcher person specification: 

* Educational background matches research project. 

* Potential to form effective working relationships with a diverse range of people, including working inclusively and as part of a team. 

* Potential to take the initiative, lead on projects, and be proactive in prioritising a dynamic, agile and diverse workload. 

* Potential to develop understanding of complex problems, evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a given scenario, and apply in-depth knowledge to address them. 

* Potential to develop expertise in new areas of the subject. 

* Evidence of an understanding of the proposed area of research, including knowledge of current challenges and opportunities. 

* An interest in continuous personal and professional development. 

* Potential to communicate ideas and conclusions, verbally and in writing, clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences. 

* Preliminary knowledge of research techniques/track record of engaging with research. 

Equality, Diversity and inclusion 

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact. We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status. 

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder). 

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