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[交流] UCL - PhD in Mechanical Engineering-ON THE AIRFLOW AND AEROSOLS TRANSPORT

Department of Mechanical Engineering
University College London

UCL Research Excellence Scholarship

We seek outstanding individual of any nationality to undertake PhD research at University College London through application to a UCL Research Excellence Scholarship to work on the following research project:

Project:  ON THE AIRFLOW AND AEROSOLS TRANSPORT/DEPOSITION IN THE DYNAMIC NASAL GATEWAY

The nasal air passage is a channel of complex geometry that provides filtration and conditioning of inspired air-droplet and aerosols, enhances olfaction, and optimizes gas exchange and fluid retention during inhalation. It is also an entry pathway for aerosols carrying pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 and a route for systemic drug/vaccine delivery through direct access to highly vascularised tissues. Advances in our understanding of interactions between anatomical form and flow-field, based on existing in-vitro and in-silico models or through in-vivo measurements, remain limited. The reasons are: assumptions of a rigid nasal valve and steady airflow during inspiration; gross simplifications of cavity geometry; and, lack of validation against in-vivo flow measurements (due to inaccessibility). This project aims to combine 4D-imaging studies (in-vivo, time-dependent, tomographic imaging of the nasal cavity), tissue strain mapping (digital volume correlation technique), FSI modelling of air-tissue interactions and 3D-PIV to create the first coupled study into the flow dynamic phenomena during inhalation/exhalation cycles. The knowledge developed will provide better understanding of aerosol transport and deposition in the nasal cavity with direct application for aerosolised drug delivery devices and implication for viral transmission through the nasal gateway. Models developed will be validated in-silico (computational) and in-vitro (3D-printing of flexible materials). 4D-MRI imaging, in conjunction with Digital Image Correlation, will be performed to map the temporal evolution of strain field in the nasal valve and cavity walls (as part of a rotation project at UCLH); and, an inverse (equivalent inclusion) approach employed to deduce local variations in elastic properties. 3D printed compliant nasal models will be used for full flow field measurements through PIV, and the experimental results used to validate FSI simulations. The student will be part of a multidisciplinary team, involving personnel from UCL Mechanical Engineering, Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals, University College London Hospitals and Addenbrooke’s Hospital (Cambridge), supported by final year project students.

Person specification: A background in fluid mechanics/dynamics, or an equivalent discipline, with a high technical content, of any nationality. Aptitude for computational modelling and/or experimental work (particle imaging velocimetry) is essential. Applicants must be from a top-ranked university (based on ARWU, THE or QS ranking) and are expected to graduate at the top of their cohort. A research track record, demonstrated by publications in international journals, will greatly enhance the chances of success.

Application Procedure: Applicants should write to both Prof PJ Tan (pj.tan@ucl.ac.uk) and Prof Andrea Ducci (a.ducci@ucl.ac.uk) with a recent CV, area of interests and a full transcript of exam results. Individuals who have yet to graduate must list all the modules (and corresponding grades) for which the results are known. Qualified candidates will go through an interview, followed by a preliminary round of departmental pre-selection; and, if successful, will be entered for university-level competition for the scholarships.

Closing Date and Start Date: All enquiries must be received by 3rd January 2025 (closing date).  If successful, the start date of the PhD will be in Sept/Oct 2025.

Value of award: Full tuition fees and stipends (living expenses) for the duration of the doctoral research.
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