Viscoplastic Free-Surface Flow–Structure Interaction via CFD

About the research project

Extreme rainfall and climate-driven hazards increasingly generate complex free-surface flows such as mud, debris-laden water, and slurry-like materials. These flows often exhibit viscoplastic behaviour, where a yield stress governs the transition between solid-like and fluid-like motion, making their prediction and control highly challenging for engineering design.

This PhD project focuses on the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and mechanics of viscoplastic free-surface flows interacting with engineering structures. The study aims to develop a deeper physical understanding of flow behaviour and impact mechanics, and to translate this knowledge into practical design guidance for climate-resilient infrastructure.

The project will use the CFD platform, which is well-suited for modelling free-surface, multiphase, and complex geometry problems. The candidate will implement and analyse viscoplastic rheological models to simulate yield-driven flow dynamics, including plug formation, flow arrest, and post-impact behaviour.

A key focus of the research is the interaction between viscoplastic flows and protective engineering structures, such as barriers, deflection walls, and energy dissipation systems. The project will quantify critical engineering parameters including impact forces, pressure distribution, run-up height, overtopping conditions, and deposition patterns. Through systematic parametric studies, the influence of geometry, flow intensity, and rheological properties will be investigated.

The research will combine high-resolution CFD simulations with dimensionless analysis to identify governing mechanisms and scaling laws. Where possible, results will be compared with available experimental or field data to ensure physical reliability. The outcome will be a set of physics-based design principles for engineering structures exposed to extreme non-Newtonian flow conditions.

This project is hosted within the School of Climate Safe Engineering at the University of Tasmania, a globally leading institution in climate resilience research. It aligns with UTAS strengths in computational mechanics, natural hazard modelling, and infrastructure design for extreme environments.

The expected outcomes include high-impact journal publications, advanced predictive modelling capability for viscoplastic flows, and practical guidelines for designing safer and more resilient infrastructure under climate-driven hazards.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Gholamreza Kefayati

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

• Applicants should have a strong academic background in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• A First-Class Honours degree (or equivalent) or a Master’s degree with a substantial research component is normally required for admission to a PhD at the University of Tasmania.

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

• Strong foundation in fluid mechanics and/or continuum mechanics
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills in engineering science
• Ability to undertake computational or numerical analysis
• Proficiency in programming or scientific computing (e.g., MATLAB, Python, or C++)
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Prior experience in computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
• Familiarity with free-surface flows or non-Newtonian/viscoplastic fluids
• Exposure to engineering simulation tools such as FLOW-3D, ANSYS Fluent, or OpenFOAM
• Experience with high-performance computing (HPC)
• Interest in fluid–structure interaction and applied mechanics

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Gholamreza Kefayati to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. In your application:
   • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
   • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
4. Apply prior to 1 October 2026.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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