MHD pumps and separators for plasmas

Coventry University’s Centre for Fluid and Complex Systems is inviting applications for a PhD in engineering fluid mechanics.

This project focuses on developing a new concept for an electromagnetic pump and an electromagnetic segregator in collaboration with a leading industrial partner.

Your research will explore how low-pressure plasmas can apply forces to ionized gases, manipulated by magnetic and electric fields.

These devices operate without moving parts, which offers significant benefits in terms of design, reliability, and maintenance.

The PhD involves conducting a feasibility study to identify the range of operating parameters for the device within practical industrial constraints.

Following this, you’ll design a prototype based on your findings. This work includes modelling the coupled electromagnetic and fluid mechanical processes within the device, using simple numerical methods that can be programmed in MATLAB or Python.

You’ll collaborate closely with specialists in magnetohydrodynamics at CFCS and experts in vacuum pumps and vacuum technologies from the industrial partner. You’ll divide your time between the university and the industrial site as the project progresses. This opportunity allows you to develop groundbreaking technology with significant benefits for the semiconductor manufacturing sector, based on the latest research in fluid mechanics and electromagnetics at CFCS.

With this PhD project, you’ll gain high-level scientific knowledge and practical experience, preparing you to apply your expertise in a realistic industrial context.

Successful applicants will have:

   • A BSc in physics, engineering, mathematics or related discipline with a minimum mark of 2.1

   • The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a prescribed period of study of 4 years

   • Language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component).

Application Procedure:

Application information can be found in our how to apply section. Before completing the application please contact Prof. Alban Potherat (alban.potherat@coventry.ac.uk) for initial