Effect of Magnetic Field Deflection on Magnetohydrodynamic Heat Shield

1. Magnetic field deflection in hypersonic MHD flow.

This project aims to experimentally reproduce and characterise the phenomenon of magnetic field deflection in hypersonic ground test experiments.

2. Bow shock structure in high magnetic Reynolds number MHD flow.

This project aims to isolate and experimentally measure the effect of magnetic field deflection on the shock stand-off and shock shape for hypersonic flow around a blunt body such as sphere or capsule.

3. Trajectory optimisation for atmospheric entry with MHD flow control.

This project aims to determine the optimum way to use MHD flow control during atmospheric entry.

4. Geometry and magnet optimisation for MHD-assisted spacecraft.

This project aims to determine how MHD drag can be maximised by optimising forebody contour and electromagnet configuration.

The student will be enrolled at the UQ School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering (SoMME), which houses the Centre for Hypersonics (CfH). The CfH has a large group of experienced researchers, and access to a strong pool of HDR students, both from its own graduates and from leading international universities. The CfH has a sustained record of publication in the leading journals in its field. The CfH operates a well-attended weekly seminar program where both group members and external collaborators and visitors, present their work.

The project will use the X2 and X3 expansion tube hypervelocity wind tunnels. UQ's laboratory has instrumentation and expertise for IR, VUV and UV emission spectroscopy, high-speed (MHz) video, and conventional shock tube instrumentation. The project also has access to supercomputing support through UQ's High-Performance Computing.

This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.

Learn more about the Research project scholarship.

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your:

• previous academic record
• publication record
• honours and awards
• employment history

A working knowledge of fluid mechanics, electromagnetism, magnetohydrodynamics, optics, numerical analysis, and hypersonic experimental techniques would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field/s of engineering and physics and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of fluid mechanics, electromagnetism, magnetohydrodynamics, optics, numerical analysis, and hypersonic experimental techniques is highly desirable.

To be considered for this scholarship, please email the following documents to Dr David Gildfind (d.gildfind@uq.edu.au):

• Cover letter
• CV
• Academic transcript/s
• Evidence for meeting UQ's English language proficiency requirements eg TOEFL, IELTS

Please note the following: Submitting the above documents does not constitute a full application for admission into The University of Queensland's PhD program. If you are selected as the preferred applicant, you will then be invited to submit a full application for admission. You can familiarise yourself with the documents required for this process on the UQ Study website.