Geometric fluid mechanics in molecular chemistry

This project aims to apply geometric mechanics to the study of quantum hydrodynamic models with application to the adiabatic evolution of molecular structures.

Start date

1 April 2023

Duration

Minimum of 3 years

Application deadline

Funding source

University of Surrey

Funding information

Full UK tuition fees and a tax-free stipend. This project is on offer in competition with a number of other projects for funding. This opportunity may be available with partial funding for overseas fees for exceptional applicants. However, funding for overseas students is limited and applicants are encouraged to find suitable funding themselves.

About

This is a project for highly motivated students with a background in Lagrangian/Hamiltonian mechanics and ideally looking to pursue a research career. Madelung's hydrodynamic formulation of quantum mechanics has been opening new avenues for molecular modelling in quantum chemistry. In this picture, a potential fluid flow is subject to a non-standard type of pressure that makes the fluid particles move apart from each other. This project aims to apply geometric mechanics to the study of quantum hydrodynamic models with application to the adiabatic evolution of molecular structures. In this context, challenging singular structures have recently been regularized by appropriate closures schemes at the level of the Lagrangian fluid paths, thereby leading to new simpler models whose features will be the subject of this study.

The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training related to all aspects of the research and opportunities to participate in conferences, workshops and seminars to develop professional skills and research network.

References

Holm D D, Schmah T and Stoica C 2009 Geometric Mechanics and Symmetry: From Finite to Infinite Dimensions (OUP).

Foskett M.S., Holm D.D. & Tronci C. 2019 Geometry of nonadiabatic quantum hydrodynamics. Acta Appl. Math. 162 63–103.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants should have a minimum of a first class honours degree in mathematics, the physical sciences or engineering. Preferably applicants will hold a MMath, MPhys or MSc degree, though exceptional BSc students will be considered.

English language requirements

IELTS minimum 6.5 or above (or equivalent) with 6.0 in each individual category.

How to apply

Applications should be submitted via the Mathematics PhD Research programme page on the "Apply" tab. Please clearly state the studentship title and supervisor on your application.

Studentship FAQs

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Application deadline

Contact details

Cesare Tronci

Email: maths-phd@surrey.ac.uk.

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