Thermoregulation and Ventilation in Termite Nests: Towards Bio-Inspired Solutions to Design Energy Efficient Buildings
- Reference no.
- JWS2020-KS
- Closing date
- Supervisors
Description
Termite nests have long been investigated as effective examples for ventilation and thermoregulation. Their structure maintains a stable temperature throughout the year and permits self-sustainable CO2 exchange with the atmosphere without using any mechanical devices. These self-sustaining temperature and ventilation properties have been a key motivation for designing eco-friendly buildings. Although there has been a significant research interest in this topic, the mechanisms by which these properties are controlled remain unclear.
This PhD project will build upon our recent work [1] that has received a significant media attention including articles in many international newspapers such as The New York Times, Le Monde, Süddeutsche Zeitung, De Volkskrant, The Independent and ASME. We will introduce a laboratory-based experimental program in which various parameters influencing nest properties will be examined. The results will provide input data for numerical models that will be conducted on 3D geometry of nests imaged by X-ray tomography. The ultimate goal of this study is to better understand the nest designs involved in thermoregulation and ventilation. This will be a step forward towards designing energy efficient buildings, and will contribute to our aim for a carbon neutral world.
This project will be conducted in collaboration with the CNRS, Toulouse (France), University of Nottingham (UK) and Imperial College London (UK). The candidate will join a vibrant and interdisciplinary team with expertise in multi-scale imaging, modelling of multiphase flow in porous media, swarm intelligence, collective behaviour and computational biology.
References: [1]. Singh, K., Muljadi, B.P., Raeini, A.Q., Jost, C., Vandeginste, V., Blunt, M.J., Theraulaz, G., and Degond, P.A.A. (2019). Science Advances 5, 1-11.
Eligibility
The scholarship is available to applicants from the UK, EU and overseas.
Funding
The scholarship will cover tuition fees and provide an annual stipend of approximately £15,009 for the 36 month duration of the project.
How to apply
Please complete our online application form. Please select PhD Applied Geoscience within the application and include the project reference, title and supervisor names on your application. If these details are not included your application may not be considered.
Applicants may only apply for ONE of the project topics offered by the Institute of GeoEnergy Engineering.
Please also provide a supporting statements (1-5 A4 pages), outlining how you would approach your research. This should be uploaded to the ‘project proposal’ section of the application form. You will also be required to upload a CV, a copy of your degree certificate and relevant transcripts and one academic reference. You must also provide proof of your ability in the English language (if English is not your mother tongue or if you have not already studied for a degree that was taught in English). We require an IELTS certificate showing an overall score of at least 6.5 with no component scoring less than 6.0 or a TOEFL certificate with a minimum score of 90 points.
The applicant should have an outstanding academic record (masters and undergraduate degrees) in physical sciences, life sciences, engineering or a related field. This project will involve experimental research, therefore the PhD candidate is expected to have a sound knowledge in designing an experimental program.
Timetable
The closing date for applications is Sunday 2 February 2020. Please note that this is a strict deadline and applications received after this date will not be considered. Incomplete applications will also not be considered so all supporting documents and references must be provided by the closing date. Applications will be reviewed throughout March and applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by April 2020. Applicants MUST be available to start the course of study in September 2020.