Sustainable Hybrid Microchannel Heat Sinks for Next-Generation High-Performance Technologies

About the research project

This project focuses on developing sustainable hybrid microchannel heat sinks for next-generation electronics cooling, addressing the growing demand for high-efficiency, low-energy thermal management solutions in high-power-density electronic systems. As electronic devices become smaller while their heat loads increase, conventional cooling technologies are increasingly insufficient, creating challenges for reliability, performance and energy consumption.

The research will design and optimise hybrid microchannel heat sink configurations that enhance heat transfer while minimising pressure drop and pumping power. Advanced thermal-fluid concepts, including improved flow distribution, surface enhancement strategies and optimised channel architectures, will be investigated to achieve effective thermal regulation under high heat-flux conditions.

A key strength of the project is the availability of existing experimental infrastructure within the research group, currently being developed for related investigations. This facility will provide an important platform for experimentally validating the numerical and theoretical developments undertaken in the project. It will enable systematic assessment of realistic operating conditions, supporting strong integration between computational modelling and experimentation. 

The research will combine computational fluid dynamics, heat transfer modelling and experimental validation to develop physics-based design guidelines for next-generation microchannel heat sinks. This integrated approach will enable evaluation of thermal performance and identification of optimal design parameters across different operating regimes.

The project has applications in data centres, electric vehicles, power electronics and advanced computing systems, where efficient thermal management is critical to reducing energy consumption and improving reliability. By developing lower-energy cooling technologies, the research will contribute to sustainable engineering, climate-conscious technology development and broader decarbonisation objectives. The project aligns strongly with the University of Tasmania’s priorities in sustainable engineering, climate action and advanced manufacturing.

Research and research development support:

The candidate will be embedded in a strong and collaborative research environment within the School and University, with access to established research facilities, specialist equipment, computational resources and relevant expertise. They will receive dedicated supervision and mentoring and have opportunities to collaborate with researchers, research groups and external partners nationally and internationally.

The candidate will be supported to develop as an independent researcher through research training, professional development, collaboration, grant development and engagement with research networks. Opportunities will include developing high-quality research outputs, presenting at conferences, contributing to collaborative research and building partnerships with industry, government and other stakeholders. These arrangements will provide a strong foundation for developing the candidate’s research profile, leadership capability and longer-term research career, while supporting research translation, impact and future competitive funding opportunities.

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 relocation allowance of up to $2,000
• 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.

Additional Funding

A key strength of the project is the availability of existing experimental infrastructure within the research group, currently being developed and funded by the School of Engineering. This facility will provide an important platform for experimentally validating the numerical and theoretical developments undertaken in the project. It will enable systematic assessment of realistic operating conditions, supporting strong integration between computational modelling and experimentation. 

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 must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Academic Qualifications

• Applicants must hold (or expect to complete prior to commencement) a Bachelor’s degree with First-Class Honours or a Master’s degree with a substantial research component in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.

Academic Performance

• A strong academic record is required, typically equivalent to a First-Class Honours standard or high Distinction average in relevant engineering and mathematics units.

Research Eligibility (UTAS/HDR Requirements)

• Applicants must satisfy the University of Tasmania requirements for admission to a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program, including meeting English language proficiency requirements where applicable.

Technical Background

• Demonstrated grounding in fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and thermodynamics is required, with the ability to engage in both computational and experimental thermal-fluid research.

English Language Proficiency

• For international applicants, evidence of English proficiency must meet UTAS HDR admission standards (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent as specified by the University).

Availability and Commitment

• Applicants must be able to undertake full-time research commitment for the duration of the project, including laboratory-based and computational work.

Compliance with University Policies

• Applicants must meet all relevant University of Tasmania policies for HDR candidature, including academic integrity, research ethics, and safety training requirements.

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:

Applicants must demonstrate the following:

 Academic Background

• A Bachelor’s degree with First-Class Honours or a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline, with a strong foundation in fluid mechanics and heat transfer.

Thermal-Fluids Knowledge

• Solid understanding of heat transfer, thermofluids, and fluid dynamics, particularly in internal flows, micro-scale heat transfer, or electronic cooling applications.

Computational Skills

• Experience or demonstrated capability in numerical modelling and simulation, preferably using CFD tools (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, or equivalent), including mesh generation, boundary condition setup, and post-processing.

Experimental Skills (Desirable but important for this project)

• Familiarity with laboratory-based heat transfer or fluid mechanics experiments, including data acquisition, instrumentation, and uncertainty analysis.

Programming and Data Analysis

• Ability to analyse engineering data using tools such as MATLAB, Python, or similar platforms for numerical analysis, optimisation, and data visualisation.

Research Capability

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to conduct independent research, interpret results critically, and contribute to scientific publications.

Communication Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, including the ability to prepare technical reports and contribute to peer-reviewed journal papers.

Teamwork and Collaboration

• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary research group, including collaboration with PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and academic staff.

Alignment with Research Theme

• Demonstrated interest in sustainable engineering, thermal management, energy-efficient systems, or climate-related engineering solutions.

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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