Closing date: 02 June 2025
Open to: UK applicants only
Funding provider: EPSRC
Subject area: Computational Engineering; Gas dynamics; High-performance Computing
Project start date: 1 October 2025 (Enrolment open from mid-September)
Supervisors: Xi Zou and Professor Ben Evans
Aligned programme of study: PhD in Aerospace Engineering
Mode of study: Full-time
Project description:
This PhD project will focus on developing AI-based methods to accelerate the Swansea University in-house discontinuous Galerkin (DG) finite element solver for the Boltzmann-BGK (BBGK) equation (developed by B.J. Evans, O. Hassan and K. Morgan). This solver directly solves the Boltzmann-BGK model equation for the velocity distribution function, which is a fundamental quantity in rarefied gas dynamics and statistical physics. The BBGK equation is the governing equation for hypersonic, rarefied flow problems in aerospace and microfluidics, where the continuum and equilibrium assumptions of Navier-Stokes equation are not eligible. Solving the BBGK equation is extremely challenging due to the high computational cost originated from its high-dimensionality. As a deterministic method, the potential of a DG method for solving the hyperbolic BBGK equation has not yet been fully exploited by the rarefied gas dynamics community which continues to rely heavily on the costly direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method. To date there are few practical 3D solvers that address a direct solution of the Boltzmann-BGK equation.
The project aims to integrate AI accelerated approaches, including but not limited to machine learning and deep neural networks, into the DG finite element solver to reduce computational costs while maintaining the accuracy. The key objective of this work will be to provide step-change solver acceleration using the developed techniques to enhance the efficiency of Swansea’s in-house DG-BBGK solver. The student will further develop this world leading solver, performing numerical studies of DG finite element methods and kinetic theories of rarefied gas dynamics, taking advantage of supercomputing resources at facilities based in Swansea, in the United Kingdom, and overseas. The student will also have the opportunity to participate activities in the wider PGR research community within the Zienkiewicz Institute (ZI) for Data, AI and Modelling including HPC training sessions, the ZI research seminar series as well as financial support for attending international conferences. This project is expected to lead to collaborative research opportunities with our industry partners across the UK aerospace sector.
For more details please see here: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/postgraduate/scholarships/research/engineering-epsrc-phd-computational-2025-rs817.php
Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate only, as defined by UKCISA regulations.
Applicants for PhD must normally hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline. See - Country-specific Information for EU and International Candidates.
English Language
IELTS 6.5 Overall (5.5+ each comp.) or Swansea University recognised equivalent. Full details of our English Language policy, including certificate time validity, can be found here.
For further information, please see the Swansea University English Language Entry Policy.
If you have any questions regarding your academic or fee eligibility based on the above, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk with the web-link to the scholarship(s) you are interested in.
Funding
This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend at UKRI rate (currently £20,780 for 2025/26).
Additional research expenses of up to £1,000 per year will also be available.
To apply, please complete your application here in Learner Gateway
In order to be considered for this scholarship award the following steps are also required.
In ‘Proposed project title/studentship title’ please input either:
3.In section ‘Funding information’ please choose the option ‘Scholarship Funding’ only. Please ensure no other options are selected.
*It is the responsibility of the applicant to list the above information accurately when applying, please note that applications received without the above information listed will not be considered for the scholarship award.
One application is required per individual Swansea University led research scholarship award; applications cannot be considered listing multiple Swansea University led research scholarship awards.
NOTE: Applicants for PhD/EngD/ProfD/EdD - to support our commitment to providing an environment free of discrimination and celebrating diversity at Swansea University you are required to complete an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form in addition to your programme application form.
Please note that completion of the EDI Monitoring Form is mandatory; your application may not progress if this information is not submitted.
As part of your online application, you MUST upload the following documents (please do not send these via email):
Informal enquiries are welcome; please contact Xi Zou xi.zou@swansea.ac.uk
*External Partner Application Data Sharing – Please note that as part of the scholarship application selection process, application data sharing may occur with external partners outside of the University, when joint/co-funding of a scholarship project is applicable.
UK applicants only
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