PhD Studentship in Experimental Investigation of Phase Change Mechanisms in Aircraft Contrail Formation University of Cambridge in United Kingdom

[Fully funded studentship including tuition fees and a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate.]

This fully funded PhD studentship at the University of Cambridge offers an exciting opportunity to investigate the physical mechanisms of aircraft contrail formation, a phenomenon with significant climate relevance. Contrails, which can evolve into cirrus-like clouds, play a crucial role in Earth's radiative balance, yet their formation—especially in the near-field region downstream of aircraft engines—remains poorly understood. The project is part of a Leverhulme Trust Research Project titled 'Bridging the scale gap: From non-equilibrium thermodynamics to contrails,' and aims to combine laboratory-scale experiments with high-fidelity numerical modelling to study vapour-liquid-solid phase transitions in aircraft exhaust plumes under controlled conditions.

The research focuses on the experimental investigation of early contrail formation using a dedicated facility that generates contrail-relevant exhaust flows by injecting a high-speed moist jet into a cold, controlled environment. The successful candidate will contribute to the development and application of advanced optical and laser-based diagnostics to characterize condensation, freezing, and particle populations in the evolving plume. The project also involves close interaction with numerical simulations, enabling quantitative comparison between experiment and CFD, and supporting physical interpretation of measured processes. While the primary focus is experimental, the student will gain valuable experience at the interface of experiment and high-fidelity modelling within a collaborative research environment.

Applicants should have, or expect to obtain by the start date, at least a good 2.1 degree in Engineering or a closely related discipline. A strong interest in experimental fluid mechanics and thermodynamics is essential. Experience with laboratory instrumentation, data acquisition, or optical diagnostics is desirable but not essential. Familiarity with coding or data analysis (e.g. MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW) would be an advantage. Good written and spoken English communication skills are expected. The studentship is fully funded and includes tuition fees and a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate. The expected start date is 1 October 2026.

Applications should include a CV, academic transcripts, and a brief statement outlining the applicant's motivation and relevant background. Applications should be submitted via the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal, with Andrew Wheeler identified as the potential supervisor. Informal enquiries are welcome and can be sent to Andrew Wheeler ([email protected]) or Katharina Tegethoff ([email protected]). Please note there is a £20 application fee attached to using the Cambridge Applicant Portal. Applications may close early if the position is filled before the advertised date. The University actively supports equality, diversity, and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.