- University of Liverpool – School of Engineering
- Academic Supervisor: David Dennis
- Industrial Supervisor: Jonathan Dodds
- Project timeline: Oct 2017 Sep 2021
- Research areas of interest: Fluid Dynamics, Flow Correlations, Open Channel Hydraulics
- Academic Qualifications: Bachelor of Engineering and Master of Science in Engineering – University of Liverpool
Investigating Fluid Transport Correlations in Partially Filled Pipes
My research is based around the optimisation of fluid transport in a partially filled pipe configuration specific to nuclear decommissioning operations. Factors such as the hazardous nature of the fluid and the need to minimise blockages and leakages, mean there is an emphasis on low volumetric flow rates with a reliance on passive flow conditioning techniques such as gravity driven flows. As a result, the partially filled configuration naturally becomes more prevalent. To expand the operational limits of this transportation method, a knowledge of the fundamental parameters which characterise the behaviour and dynamics of the flow and how these parameters change relative to each other is required. An experimental rig has been built to model the flow regime and provide experimental data for the lowering of waste production, reducing long-term storage requirements and minimising associated costs and environmental consequences. Being based in industry has given me a range of opportunities such as the building and operating a large scale commercial experimental rig and assistance with commercial projects that relate to my research. I also like the clear ‘real-world’ application of my research which is offered with an industrial PhD.
Outputs
Conference Poster: Cunliffe, C; Dennis, D; Dodds, J; Fluid Transport Correlations in Partially Filled Pipes for Nuclear Decommissioning (2018) Poster presented at the UK Fluids Conference, Manchester, United Kingdom
Cunliffe, C; The Benefits of Collaboration: LabVIEW Software Development for HALES (2019)
