[School of Natural Sciences PhD Scholarships] Segregation in complex granular materials

About the project

About the Project The field of granular materials encompasses a vast range of materials and processes, from the formation of sand dunes on a beach and snow avalanches in the mountains, to the roasting of coffee beans and the manufacture of pharmaceutical tablets. The science of granular materials is still in its relative infancy, and many aspects of flowing grains cannot yet be predicted with a continuum rheology. Insights into granular material behaviour come from a range of methods, and my research therefore combines mathematical modelling, computation, and laboratory experiments, undertaken at the Manchester Centre for Nonlinear Dynamics laboratories. Much of the current theory of granular materials has been formulated with the assumption of a single type of grain. When grains vary in size, shape or density, it opens up the possibility that such grains with different properties separate from one another, a process called segregation. A fundamental question in this area is predicting the rate of segregation from a description of a granular material, such as the distribution of particle sizes. Thanks to some recent developments, we are approaching a point where this can be done for very simple granular materials (in particular those containing only two, similar, sizes sizes of grain), but many practical granular materials are much more complex. For example, it is common for mixtures of grains used in industry to vary in diameter by a factor of more than 100, and the complex segregation that can occur in these mixtures is poorly understood. This project will make measurements of the segregation behaviour of such mixtures and use these to put together a theoretical framework for describing segregation in complex granular materials. This project is expected to start in September 2027. Before you apply: We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply. How to apply: To be considered for this project you must complete a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account this link will directly open an application for PhD School of Natural Sciences Scholarships . If you don’t already have an applicant account, please follow the instructions here . When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing your motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications . Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status. We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder. Eligibility : The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree (or international equivalent) in Mathematics, Physics or other highly numerate discipline OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit (or international equivalent) in Mathematics, Physics or other highly numerate discipline. This project will remain open until filled. If your application is submitted by 1st November 2026, you can expect a decision by 18th December 2026. If your application is submitted by 15th January 2027, you can expect a decision by 30th March 2027. Self or externally funded students can also be considered for this project. FSESoNS

Research areas