Project summary
- Program
- PhD
- Location
- St Lucia
- Research area
- Engineering
Project description
Pipelines almost always operate in turbulence, yet many real systems are unsteady: pumps, valves, and operating schedules introduce repeated acceleration and deceleration. Turbulence does not respond instantaneously, its structures “lag” and reorganise across a cycle.
You will focus on the physics of turbulent pulsatile pipe flow, aiming to uncover how and why turbulence changes during acceleration, deceleration, and constant-flow phases, and how those changes scale with Reynolds number and pulsation parameters.
What you will do: You will build and commission a high-Re pulsatile pipe facility and run a systematic experimental campaign over pulsation flows to characterise flow physics.
Training and skills you will gain: Hands-on experimental fluid mechanics (rig design, sensors, DAQ), LabVIEW/MATLAB/Python workflow, uncertainty and calibration practices, PIV acquisition and processing, and turbulence/structure analysis at moderate to high Reynolds numbers.
Scholarship
This is an Fellowship support scheme scholarship project that aligns with a recently awarded Australian Government grant.
The scholarship includes:
- living stipend of $37,500 per annum tax free (2026 rate), indexed annually
- your tuition fees covered
- single overseas student health cover (OSHC).
Learn more about the Fellowship support scheme scholarship.
Supervisor
Principal supervisor
Preferred educational background
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 experimental fluid mechanics, Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), and/or signal processing would be of benefit to someone working on this project.
You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field(s) of fluid mechanics, turbulent flows, experimental fluid dynamics and the potential for scholastic success.
How to apply
This project requires candidates to commence no later than Research Quarter 4, 2026. You can start in an earlier research quarter.
You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by the closing date for the research quarter (RQ) you want to start in:
Before you apply
- Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
- Prepare your documentation.
- If you have any questions about whether the project is suitable for your research interests, contact Dr Navid Freidoonimehr (n.freidoonimehr@uq.edu.au).
When you apply
To apply, submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the program. You don't need to apply separately for the project or scholarship. How to submit an EOI
In your EOI, complete the 'Scholarship/Sponsorship' section with the following details:
- Are you applying for an advertised project: 'Yes'
- Project: 'Fellowship project scholarship'
- Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: PULSATILE-FREIDOONIMEHR
- Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/unsteady-turbulence-dynamics-pulsatile-pipe-flow