Stage M2: Inertial particles in turbulence

Understanding the behavior of inertial particles in turbulent flows is a central challenge in fluid dynamics, with implications spanning a wide range of natural and industrial processes. For instance, how do raindrops nucleate and grow in clouds? How are plankton dynamics or the transport of microplastics influenced by ocean turbulence? What are the consequences for marine ecosystems and trophic chains? How are pollutants or volcanic ash dispersed in the atmosphere, and what governs their deposition rates? Finally, what are the optimal design parameters for systems such as wastewater treatment plants, combustion engines, or chemical reactors? All of these questions can be addressed by investigating inertial particle dynamics in turbulence. Despite their ubiquity, such flows remain extremely challenging to study due to the large number of intertwined control parameters and the scarcity of predictive theoretical models.

We propose two complementary experimental studies aimed at improving both the physical understanding and empirical modeling of polydisperse particle dynamics in turbulent environments. This research is carried out in collaboration with ENS Lyon, IFPEN Lyon, LMFL Lille, and the University of Buenos Aires. It will benefit from the new 4DFluid platform, currently being acquired through the SESAME project led by Romain Monchaux, which brings together ENSTA, CEA, ONERA, LadHyX, EM2C, and FAST laboratories.

Supervision

The thesis will be jointly supervised by Romain Monchaux (ENSTA Paris) and Romain Volk and Mickaël Bourgoin (ENS Lyon). Regular meetings, both online and in person, will be organized with the collaborating teams in Lyon, Lille, and Buenos Aires, ensuring close scientific monitoring and sustained collaborative dynamics.

Application

Applicants should have a strong background in fluid mechanics and be highly motivatedto undertake experimental work. To apply, please send your master's degree marks anda recommendation letter from your former advisor to romain.monchaux@ensta.fr