Ali Elham

The University of Southampton is offering a fully funded PhD position in Thermofluid Topology Optimisation, supervised by Professor Ali Elham in the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences. This research project focuses on developing a next-generation, high-fidelity topology optimisation (TopOpt) framework for thermal-fluid systems, integrating computational fluid dynamics (CFD), heat transfer solvers, automatic differentiation, scalable optimisation, and high-performance computing (HPC). The aim is to generate manufacturable designs for energy and cooling applications, advancing simulation-driven design tools to automatically create complex flow and heat transfer structures with superior performance. Applicants will work at the intersection of fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and computational design, gaining expertise in CFD, optimisation algorithms, numerical methods, and high-performance simulation tools. The project will involve developing and testing advanced algorithms capable of capturing key flow and heat transport behaviours within a robust optimisation loop. Collaboration opportunities with other researchers in fluid mechanics and thermal system design are available. Entry requirements include a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent in mechanical or aerospace engineering, applied mathematics, or a related discipline. Experience with numerical methods, the CFD tool OpenFOAM, or optimisation techniques is desirable. Applications should include a personal statement, CV, two academic references, and degree transcripts. Funding is fully provided for both UK and international students. Horizon Europe fee waivers automatically cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students. Presidential Bursaries and competition-based studentships typically cover UK-level tuition fees and a stipend for living costs (minimum £19,237 in 2024-25) for top-ranked applicants. Funding is awarded on a rolling basis, so early application is encouraged. To apply, select the PhD in Engineering programme (Research, 2025/26) at the University of Southampton, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, and include the supervisor's name (Ali Elham) in section 2. For further information, contact Professor Ali Elham at [email protected] or the doctoral college at [email protected]. Relevant academic keywords include thermofluid topology optimisation, computational fluid dynamics, heat transfer, numerical methods, optimisation algorithms, high-performance computing, energy systems, cooling applications, mechanical engineering, and aerospace engineering.

This PhD project at the University of Southampton, supervised by Professor Ali Elham, focuses on developing a next-generation high-fidelity topology optimisation (TopOpt) framework for thermofluid systems. The research aims to advance simulation-driven design tools that automatically generate complex flow and heat transfer structures, outperforming conventional designs in energy and cooling applications. Topology optimisation, a powerful tool in structural mechanics, is rapidly emerging in thermal-fluid applications. This project seeks to extend and enhance an existing thermofluid TopOpt platform to address multi-objective performance criteria, manufacturing constraints, and large-scale computational domains relevant to real-world energy and transport systems. As a PhD student, you will develop and test advanced algorithms capable of capturing key flow and heat transport behaviours within a robust optimisation loop. The work involves high-fidelity numerical solvers for fluid flow and heat transfer, integrated with automatic differentiation and scalable optimisation techniques, all within a high-performance computing environment. You will gain expertise in computational fluid dynamics (CFD), optimisation algorithms, numerical methods, and high-performance simulation tools, and collaborate with researchers in fluid mechanics and thermal system design. Entry requirements include a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent in mechanical or aerospace engineering, applied mathematics, or a related discipline. Experience with numerical methods, the CFD tool OpenFOAM, or optimisation techniques is desirable. The University of Southampton offers a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students. Competition-based studentships typically cover UK-level tuition fees and a stipend for living costs (minimum of £19,237 in 2024-25) for top-ranked applicants. Horizon Europe fee waivers and Presidential Bursaries may cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students. Funding is awarded on a rolling basis, so early application is recommended. To apply, select the PhD in Engineering programme (Research, 2025/26, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences), choose full-time or part-time, and add the supervisor's name in section 2. Applications should include a personal statement, CV, two academic references, and degree transcripts. For general questions, contact [email protected], or reach out to Professor Ali Elham at [email protected] for an initial conversation. For more details, visit the project page: Thermofluid topology optimisation at University of Southampton .

A fully funded PhD position is available in Professor Ali Elham's research group at the University of Southampton, focusing on high-resolution thermo-fluid topology optimisation. The project aims to develop next-generation high-fidelity topology optimisation frameworks for thermofluid systems, advancing simulation-driven design tools to automatically generate complex flow and heat transfer structures with superior performance. The research will extend an existing thermofluid TopOpt platform to handle multi-objective criteria, manufacturing constraints, and large-scale computational domains relevant to energy and cooling systems. Students will develop and test advanced algorithms for fluid flow and heat transfer, using high-fidelity numerical solvers, automatic differentiation, and scalable optimisation techniques in a high-performance computing environment. The work sits at the intersection of fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and computational design, with applications in energy and transport. Applicants should have a strong background in mechanical or aerospace engineering, applied mathematics, or a related discipline, and experience with numerical methods, OpenFOAM, or optimisation techniques is desirable. The position is fully funded for UK and international students, with tuition fees and a stipend (minimum £19,237 in 2024-25) covered for top-ranked applicants. Funding is awarded on a rolling basis, so early application is encouraged. The application requires a personal statement, CV, two academic references, and degree transcripts. For more information or an initial conversation, contact Professor Ali Elham at the University of Southampton.

A fully funded PhD position is available in Professor Ali Elham's research group at the University of Southampton, focusing on high-resolution thermo-fluid topology optimisation. The project aims to develop next-generation simulation-driven design tools for thermofluid systems, enabling the automatic generation of complex flow and heat transfer structures with superior performance. The research will extend an existing thermofluid topology optimisation platform to address multi-objective criteria, manufacturing constraints, and large-scale computational domains relevant to energy and cooling systems. Students will work with advanced numerical solvers for fluid flow and heat transfer, integrated with automatic differentiation and scalable optimisation techniques in a high-performance computing environment. The project offers opportunities to collaborate with experts in fluid mechanics and thermal system design, and to gain expertise in computational fluid dynamics (CFD), optimisation algorithms, and numerical methods. Applicants should have a strong background in mechanical or aerospace engineering, applied mathematics, or a related discipline, and experience with numerical methods, OpenFOAM, or optimisation techniques is desirable. The position is fully funded for UK and international students, with tuition fees and a minimum stipend of £19,237 for 2024-25. Funding is awarded on a rolling basis, so early application is recommended. The application requires a personal statement, CV, two academic references, and degree transcripts. For more information or to apply, visit the University of Southampton's project page or contact Professor Ali Elham.