Description
This thesis will study fluid mechanics and multi-physics couplings related to the cleaning and 
decontamination of unwanted viscous liquid substances on solid surfaces with complex
geometries—such as in the case of a surface cavity. The thesis, based at Claude Bernard
University Lyon 1 and co-supervised with the University of Cambridge, will be funded by the
French Defense Innovation Agency (AID). The selected candidate will spend between 6 and
12 months at DAMTP at the University of Cambridge to carry out part of the research,
thanks to additional funding provided through a Franco-British cooperation agreement.

The aim of this thesis is to model the physico-chemical processes that govern the extraction
and neutralization of an undesirable liquid trapped in a surface cavity, under the effect of a
shearing liquid flow containing a decontaminant. We will seek to understand the interactions
between fluid dynamics, mass transport, and chemical reactions to optimize
decontamination strategies. The approach will be multi-physics, combining aspects of fluid
mechanics, interfacial phenomena, and chemical reactions.

We will use complementary experimental and numerical methods to develop and validate
multi-physics models to understand the impact of hydrodynamic, geometric, and chemical
parameters on the cleaning process. The flow within a cavity is a canonical problem in fluid
mechanics, which has been much less studied in the multiphase and multi-physics cases. We
expect to uncover particularly rich phenomenology in mass transfer, including interfacial
instabilities, changes in flow topology, and couplings with chemistry.

The LMFA and DAMTP are internationally recognized research laboratories in fluid
mechanics. The selected candidate will benefit from strong support within these labs, which
host a large international community of PhD students each year. They are located in the
heart of the cities of Lyon and Cambridge, which offer a dynamic and stimulating
environment for research and student life. The opportunity to spend time in both France
and the UK offers an exceptional chance for those wishing to deepen their knowledge of the
language and culture of these two countries.

Profile
Candidates must demonstrate an excellent academic background in fluid mechanics or
physics. They must show strong motivation for fundamental science with an interdisciplinary
nature, some laboratory experience, and skills in coding and developing numerical
simulations (the simulation software used will be OpenFOAM). Fluent English is required.
Fluent French is not mandatory but recommended, as the thesis will be based in France.
Eligibility criteria

This PhD position is open exclusively to candidates with nationality from the following
countries: a European Union country, the United Kingdom, or Switzerland. Candidates with
multiple nationalities are eligible, provided they meet the above condition. Applicants must
have, or be about to obtain, a Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification (such as an
engineering degree that confers a Master’s level).

Application
Please direct any informal inquiries and/or your application for this PhD position to
julien.landel@univ-lyon1.fr by April 30, 2025. Applications should include a detailed CV
(including your nationalities), a cover letter, and academic transcripts from the past three
years. Pre-selected candidates will be invited for interviews, either in person or via video
conference, before May 14, 2025.