Project Overview

The transport of airborne droplets and pollutants within indoor spaces in buildings is governed by the fluid-thermal interactions of these droplets and pollutants with the ventilation air of the indoor space. Various thermodynamic parameters and ventilation characteristics affect the movement, evaporation, and deposition, of these droplets on all surfaces. Understanding the thermo-fluid aspects of droplet histories will enable better design of the HVAC systems in buildings for infection proofing.

Aims

We will investigate the fluid mechanics of droplet and pollutant transport in indoor environments of buildings, and how the transmission of pollutants and droplets are affected by the forced system heating ventilation, and the air-conditioning systems in buildings.

Objectives

Computational Fluid Dynamics and Experiments will be undertaken to study the multi-phase flow and heat transfer in confined spaces of buildings.

Significance 

Post COVID, the need for infection proofing of buildings is considered greater importance and is an essential part of the new building design in advanced countries. Since pathogen transport is affected by temperature and air movement, the principles of a thermo-fluid design for the heating ventilating and air-conditioning system will enable realisable control of the spread of infections, by configuring suitable indoor designs and operational requirements for  ventilation systems.
 

This project will be formulated and executed in the School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering. Curtin University has the academic expertise to execute the computational modelling using computational fluid dynamics and advanced optical diagnosis using PIV and imaging systems. The engineering workshops can create state of the art models required for experiments. HVAC systems are in constant demand for any new building, and hence possess a key role in the design of buildings. There are several industries that specialise in providing HVAC systems, and there is a need for a scientific approach in mitigating the spread of infections through air that we breathe in buildings. The topic is extremely important for hospitals, aged-care centres, and for vulnerable communities that are exposed to challenging ambient environments of indoor space.

An internship may be available for this project. Potential internship opportunity exists with HVAC companies, CSIRO, aged-care centres, and hospitals.

• Future Students

• Faculty of Science & Engineering
  • Science courses
  • Engineering courses

• Higher Degree by Research

• Australian Citizen
• Australian Permanent Resident
• New Zealand Citizen
• Permanent Humanitarian Visa
• International Student

• Merit Based

The annual scholarship package, covering both stipend and tuition fees, amounts to approximately $70,000 per year.

In 2024, the RTP stipend scholarship offers $35,000 per annum for a duration of up to three years. Exceptional progress and adherence to timelines may qualify students for a six-month completion scholarship.

Selection for these scholarships involves a competitive process, with shortlisted applicants notified of outcomes by November 2024.

1

All applicable HDR courses.

We are looking for a well-motivated PhD student with first-class honour’s degree in any of the following areas: Biomedical Sciences; Mathematics; Physics; Mechanical Engineering; Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering. The applicant must have the willingness to learn multi-disciplinary topics and possess a research mind-set. A flair for computational modelling and experiment work using optical methods and writing own software codes is a welcome bonus. The applicant must be eligible to enrol in the PhD program at Curtin University, and physically present in WA for the duration of the PhD research.

 

Please send your CV, academic transcripts and brief rationale why you want to join this research project via the HDR Expression of Interest form to the project lead researcher, listed below. 

You must be enrolled in a Higher Degree by Research Course at Curtin University by March 2025.

Project Lead: Professor Ramesh Narayanaswamy