About the project
Extreme bursts in fluid flows are hard to predict and control. This project develops modern optimisation and dynamical-systems tools to understand and limit these events using low-dimensional models.
Extreme events in fluid flows — sudden surges in drag, or unsteady motion — are among the most challenging phenomena in fluid mechanics. They emerge unpredictably, cause large structural loads, and play a central role in flow transition. Traditional analysis tools struggle to capture these rare but influential events, and DNS can be too costly to explore them thoroughly.
This project will develop a new framework for understanding and mitigating extreme events by combining low-dimensional models with techniques from convex optimization and modern dynamical systems theory.
The idea is to construct simple geometric objects that enclose the long-term behaviour and act as efficient, mathematically guaranteed “outer envelopes,” providing insight into where extreme events occur. By studying how these envelopes change with system parameters, the project aims to reveal the mechanisms that trigger extreme events and to design strategies that reduce their impact.
You will work with reduced-order models that capture essential fluid-mechanical processes while remaining small enough for systematic analysis.
Through computational experiments the project will explore how extreme events arise, how they can be predicted, and how control can be used to reshape the system’s behaviour.
The project is ideal for students excited by mathematical modelling, nonlinear dynamics, and applying innovative methods to important fluid-mechanical challenges.
The School of Engineering is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.
