Open positions in the lab
Two Ph.D. student openings with multiyear GRA commitment are available for those interested in computational fluid dynamics and mechanics. The desired starting time is the Spring or Summer of 2025, but Fall 2025 may also be accommodated.
Two Ph.D. student openings with multiyear GRA commitment are available at Virginia Tech’s Mechanical Engineering Department. The desired starting time is the Spring or Summer of 2025, but the Fall 2025 may also be accommodated.
- The first opening focuses on the modeling of particle-surface interactions, including particle rebound, fracture, and deposition upon their impact on solid surfaces. The student will be broadly trained in computational mechanics and data science. This opening is available to domestic and international students.
- The second opening focuses on particle transport in aero engines, including high-fidelity CFD modeling and particle tracking, system-level modeling, development of reduced-order models, and data science. This opening is available only to US citizens.
These projects are part of an environmental engine protection program jointly sponsored by Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney, two world-leading engine companies. The student will work closely with a team of faculty and students from the Mechanical, Aerospace, and Geoscience departments. Both sponsors are interested in recruiting the students upon their graduation.
The following aspects are highly desirable:
- strong interest in computational work;
- programming experience (at a minimum, competence in Matlab programming);
- solid foundation and strong interest in mechanics or thermal fluid sciences;
- willingness and interest in working with researchers from diverse disciplines.
While students are generally expected to have a background in Mechanics or Mechanical/Aerospace/Civil Engineering, exceptional candidates with backgrounds such as physics and mathematics are also welcome.
Interested students are encouraged to send an inquiry to ruiqiao@vt.edu as early as feasible.