Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Computational Hypersonic Aerodynamics

Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Computational Hypersonic
Aerodynamics, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of
Strathclyde, United Kingdom

The University of Strathclyde (Glasgow, Scotland, UK) announces a new
opportunity for an enthusiastic and well-qualified postdoctoral
researcher to join a team developing computational models of real
hypersonic aerodynamic flows.

As part of the international aerospace effort, there is a need for
good numerical models of the air flows around space shuttles and other
high-speed high-altitude vehicles. This project focuses on hypersonic
aerodynamic flows that have, at the same time, regions of high and
very low density. Currently, these cannot be handled easily within a
single computational scheme: Navier-Stokes solvers are suitable for
high-density flows but molecular dynamics methods are needed for the
low-density regions. The coupling of the two solution techniques to
resolve mixed-density flowfields is complex and often computationally
intractable.

However, higher-order continuum-type equations (like the Burnett
equations) offer a realistic alternative. They extend the
applicability of the continuum equation set into the rarefied regime,
and have the additional advantage that calculations of rarefied
flowfields take a fraction of the computational time of molecular
dynamics. Because the Burnett equations reduce to the Navier-Stokes
equations in regions of low gradients or high density, they can also
model transonic and mixed-density flow fields efficiently. Currently,
only simple flows have been investigated, so we are now looking for a
Postdoctoral Research Fellow to apply and validate these
state-of-the-art models for a range of 3D configurations. This
research forms part of the worldwide effort in developing new
aerospace technology and designing next-generation spacecraft and
high-altitude aircraft.

The project will be based in the Mechanical Engineering Department of
Strathclyde University (www.mecheng.strath.ac.uk), which was rated a
top 5 in the last Research Assessment Exercise in the UK. The research
will be supervised by Professor Jason Reese (he can be contacted for
further details on ) and Dr Matthew Stickland,
and will be collaborative with the Defence Science and Technology
Laboratory (part of the UK's Ministry of Defence) who will provide
experimental and other computational results for validation.

This is a challenging but rewarding project, so you are required to
have (or be close to completion of) a PhD in Applied Mathematics,
Mechanical Engineering or Aeronautical Engineering, and have a special
interest in computational simulations of rarefied and continuum gas
flows. You will also need to be experienced in setting up your own
mathematical models for numerical solution in codes, and be able to
program (or to learn to program) in C++. You will need to be capable
of finding new ways of solving complex sets of fluids equations, and
be able to test these equations in a variety of different geometries
using different computational grid set-ups. The project is theoretical
and numerical, but the worldwide interest in this research means that,
during the course of the project, you will present your work at
international conferences and other research centres in the UK and
abroad.

The position is available for 3 years from 1st October 2004, although
the start date is flexible. The starting salary is £23,643 (point 8 on
the RA1A scale), and will rise each year of the project, in addition
to a cost-of-living rise. Salary and project achievements will be
reviewed annually with the project supervisors.

To apply, please email a covering letter and full Curriculum Vitae (or
Resume), with a list of your publications and the names and contact
details of two referees to

We value diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the
community worldwide. The closing date for all applications is Monday
9th August 2004.