PhD Scholarship

Queensland University of Technology

Modelling interactions of spray droplets with plants

Scholarship Description

The PhD project is Mathematical modelling of droplet impaction and spreading on leaves.

Provided By: Queensland University of Technology

Level: Post-Graduate Research

Availability
This scholarship is available to both domestic and international students. The scholarship is open for applications until 23 September 2011, with the successful applicant starting as soon as possible.

Payment Information
The value of this generous scholarship, AU$33,651 (per annum, tax exempt), includes a AU$10,000 (per annum, tax exempt) top-up from industry partners.
This award is to be used to support research and living expenses. This scholarship is paid fortnightly for the period of 3 years.
Please note that international students will need to pay university fees, although there are some opportunities for fee waivers for exceptional students.

Research Information
This Australian Postgraduate Award - Industry (APAI) Scholarship is associated with the Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Project LP100200476 entitled Modelling interactions of spray droplets with plants. The project aims to deliver a comprehensive suite of mathematical models to investigate spray deposition and retention by plant foliage at the single leaf, whole plant and crop level.
The successful applicant will be a PhD student in the Discipline of Mathematical Sciences at the Gardens Point campus of Queensland University of Technology (QUT) under the supervision of Dr Scott McCue (QUT), Dr Geoff Mercer (ANU), Dr Alison Forster (industry partner PPCNZ) and Professor Ian Turner (QUT), but will be expected to work closely with other collaborators at QUT, UQ and industry partners.

Eligibility
To be considered, candidates will require first-class honours or second-class division A honours degree, or appropriate masters degree (research or coursework) or a professional doctorate from a recognised institution. Masters degrees by coursework and professional doctorates must contain a significant research component, of no less than 33% of the total degree.
Ideally, the successful candidate will have demonstrated skills in mathematical modelling and fluid mechanics. Experience in dealing with thin film models would be an advantage. The student must have an expertise in the mathematical programming language MATLAB or equivalent.

Application Details
Interested applicants are invited to contact Dr Scott McCue, Discipline of Mathematical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology scott.mccue@qut.edu.au

General Info
The focus will be on using ideas from fluid mechanics to devise appropriate mathematical models for determining whether spray droplets adhere to a particular leaf surface or bounce off. Furthermore, the student will be working on models that describe the ultimate fate of droplets once it adheres.
Key words include: mathematical modelling; applied mathematics; differential equations; fluid mechanics; computational mathematics.

Selection Criteria
Selection will be based primarily on academic merit and potential. Weight may also be given to applicants with demonstrated experience in research projects in applied mathematics and/or fluid mechanics. Applicants should have a working knowledge of Matlab or an equivalent programming language.

Application Details
Applicants should submit a CV along with a statement of interest and relevant background to the Chief Investigator Dr Scott McCue via email scott.mccue@qut.edu.au by the closing date. Contact details of two referees should also be supplied, including at least one academic referee.