Reference Code: CI627
Closing Date: 30th August 2013

Details:

Name of supervisors
Dr Qiuhua Liang, School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences 

Dr Andy Large, School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences   

Dr Geoff Parkin, School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences 

Sponsor
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)

Duration of the award
Three years

Project description
Working with a multi-disciplinary SINATRA project team (Susceptibility of catchments to INTense RAinfall and flooding) funded through the NERC Flooding from Intense Rainfall Programme, this student project will develop new analytical and modelling tools for understanding the hydrodynamic flow processes associated with floating debris and their implications for flood risk in terms of creating local blockages and changing flood routes. This may be achieved by coupling an in-house hydrodynamic model with a Discrete Element Model for simulating floating objects. The student will also join a Flood Action Team to carry out field work and collect data for understanding the behaviour of floating debris driven by rapidly-varying flood waves.

Value of the award and eligibility
This award is available to the candidates who meet the NERC’s eligibility criteria. A full award covers tuition fees at the UK/EU rate and an annual stipend of £13,726 (2013-14).

Person specification
The applicant should have a good honours degree (at least an upper-second-class Honours) in a relevant subject area, e.g. engineering, applied mathematics, physics. It is also essential for the applicant to have a sound background in mathematics. Experience in scientific computing and numerical code development is desirable.

How to apply
You must apply through the University’s online postgraduate application form via the ‘Apply’ button below, selecting ‘PhD school of Civil Engineering and Geosciences’ as the programme of study. Once you have selected the programme, please insert the studentship reference number CI627. Only mandatory fields need to be completed, plus a covering letter and CV. The covering letter must state the title of the studentship, quote the reference number CI627 and state how your interests and experience relate to the project.

You should also send your covering letter and CV to Dr Qiuhua Liang at Qiuhua.Liang@ncl.ac.uk.

Further information
For further information, please contact:
Dr Qiuhua Liang
School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences
E-mail: Qiuhua.Liang@ncl.ac.uk