[School of Natural Sciences PhD Scholarships] Geophysical fluid mechanics: Modelling debris flows

About the project

About the Project Debris flows are complex mixtures of water, boulders, rock, soil, wood, etc, that develop on steep slopes and travel long distances, destroying houses, roads, railways and other infrastructure, as well as killing people that are caught up in them. This project aims to develop depth-averaged multiphase debris-flows models that can accurately predict their flow dynamics, and spatially and temporally evolving composition, to make more accurate assessments of the risk they pose. The project will develop mathematical theory, numerical methods and small-scale analogue experiments in our granular flow laboratory in the Department of Physics & Astronomy. A key goal is to understand a new form of 'compositional waves' which can (i) allow boulder rich wave pulses to be interspersed with more watery flows, and (ii) slowly change the composition and character of the flow over longer time scales. This work is important because the frequency and severity of debris flows seems to be increasing as the Earth's climate warms, glaciers retreat and permafrost melts, as in the recent disaster in Tibet and Nepal. 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 Engineering OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit (or international equivalent) in Mathematics, Physics or Engineering. 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