Computational verification of high-speed multi-material flows, where physical experimentation is highly limited, is seen as critical by the Defence Sector (source: the UK Atomic Weapons Establishment). Recent work by the group (leading to REF 4* rated outputs and several Keynotes) has contributed to bridging the gap between Computational Solid and Fluid Dynamics, with a unified computational framework exploiting the use of physical and geometrical conservation laws in a variety of spatial discretisation schemes (i.e. Finite Element, Finite Volume, Meshless). The resulting conservation-type formulation, which displays striking similarities to that used by the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) community, has inspired the investigators to adopt conventional CFD algorithms in the novel context of Computational Solid Dynamics 

Building upon very recent work made by the supervisory team, this FULLY FUNDED 4-year PhD project will investigate challenging aspects such as: (1) exploration of a truly “n” multi-material capability with a suitable closure model; (2) improved strategy for interface tracking/capturing; (3) very high-speed scenarios with use of nonlinear Riemann-solvers. If time allows exploratory 3D development could be foreseen in Year 4. 

The recruited PhD candidate will become a member of an active research group working on the development and application of cutting-edge computational techniques for large strain solid dynamics, dynamic fracture/contact and computational multi-physics.