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PhD Project: Ice Thickening - Freezing Flow through Snow
Supervisor
Dr Jerome Neufeld
Department
Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics
Funding
Not yet funded (Please note that any offer of funding will be conditional on securing a place as a PhD student)
Commencement Date
October 2025
Summary
Applications are invited for a 4-year PhD based in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics at the University of Cambridge under the supervision of Professor Jerome Neufeld and Co-Supervised by Dr Katarzyna Warburton.
Description
How far does water spread through cold snow? This question is fundamental to understanding the surface hydrology of Greenland, the infiltration of seawater into fractured ice shelves, and the feasibility of flooding snowpack for Arctic refreezing. As water flows through cold snow, the water freezes, shrinking the pore space, and restricting the water flow, until eventually everything is frozen in place. This project would investigate flow in a porous medium, including phase change, from an experimental and numerical perspective.
Initial experiments in the DAMTP Temperature Controlled Laboratory will quantify the spreading and freezing that occur as cold water flows through pre-cooled glass beads in a straight duct. We will then progress from uniform glass beads to artificial snow. Further experiments will look at the impact of warm and/or salty water, where snow is expected to initially melt, before refreezing as the water cools. In tandem, numerical simulations of the process will be developed, calibrated to match experimental results. The numerical model will be used to extend from 1D flow to the radially spreading case.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
Closing Date
How to Apply
All applications should be made online via the University's Applicant Portal with Dr Jerome Neufeld identified as the potential supervisor. Applications may close early if the position is filled before the advertised date.
Applications should include academic transcripts, CV, statement of purpose and 2 references. An application is only complete when all supporting documents, including the 2 academic references, are submitted. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure their referees submit their references before the closing date.
If you have any questions or require any further information, please contact Professor Neufeld on jn271@cam.ac.uk
Applications should include academic transcripts, CV, statement of purpose and 2 references. An application is only complete when all supporting documents, including the 2 academic references, are submitted. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure their referees submit their references before the closing date.
If you have any questions or require any further information, please contact Professor Neufeld on jn271@cam.ac.uk
Applicant Portal
