Droplets play crucial roles in diverse fields, ranging from drug delivery and combustion to spray cooling and inkjet printing. Their properties, including diameter, temperature, velocity, acceleration, evaporation rate, composition, have a significant impact on system performance. However, traditional measurement techniques often lack the desired non-intrusiveness, spatial resolution, or multi-parameter capability. This PhD project aims to develop innovative laser measurement techniques for precise and simultaneous characterisation of these critical droplet properties. 

The laboratory setup for laser scattering will be developed during the PhD, building upon the main supervisor’s expertise on Phase Rainbow Refractometry (doi.org/CZGP, doi.org/C3P4), to investigate novel experimental approaches. 

The PhD will then develop advanced data analysis techniques to extract droplet information from Mie scattering patterns. This will leverageexisting image processing algorithms and mathematical models, whileexploring the potential fordeep learning to significantly accelerate analyses and augment the measured data. 

Finally, these new experimental and analytical methods will be validatedthrough the application on real-world multiphase flows, in collaboration with international academics and industry partners. 

This project presents a unique opportunity to push the boundaries of existing knowledge and make a significant contribution to the field of optical diagnostics for multiphase flows. 

This scholarship is available to UK, EU and overseas applicants. 

Eligible candidates will have an upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in a related field. 

The University of Sussex believes that the diversity of its staff and student community is fundamental to creative thinking, pedagogic innovation, intellectual challenge, and the interdisciplinary approach to research and learning. We celebrate and promote diversity,equality and inclusion amongst our staff and students. As such, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Please clearly state on your application that you are applying for the Laser Diagnostics for Multiphase Flows scholarship under the supervision of Prof Cyril Crua.

Please ensure you application includes each of the following: 

• A personal statament. 
• Your CV.
• Degree certificates and transcripts. 
• 2 references, including a minimum of 1 from any institution studied at within the last 5 years.
• If your first language is not English you will need to demonstrate that you meet the University’s English language requirements, see here for details of our accepted documentation.