PhD student in Metallurgy and Materials
What is your research background and current field of research?
I am a second year PhD student in Aerospace engineering at the University of Birmingham, working with Dr Chandan Bose on modelling and simulation of fluid-structure interaction systems with variable flexibility. Previously, I studied BSc Mathematics at Coventry University and MSc Applied Mathematics at the University of Birmingham. My PhD project focuses on modelling bio-inspired fluid-structure interaction (FSI) problems, taking a computational fluid dynamics approach with the use of open-source codes. Some research problems include the implementation of covert-inspired flexible flaps attached to the upper surface of airfoils to enhance lift and delay stall at high angles of attack, as well as the investigation of flexible morphing wings as an alternative to conventional rigid wings for improved aerodynamic performance. The outcomes of these studies have applications in the design of unmanned aerial vehicles.
Which BEAR Services have been most helpful to you in your research?
My research requires a coupled numerical framework for studying two-way fluid-structure interactions. Given the computational intensity of these coupled simulations, the use of BlueBEAR High Performance Computing (HPC) resources is crucial. The storage of simulation data is equally critical, as these FSI simulations generate large datasets that are stored and organised in the BEAR Research Data Store. Using HPC resources ensure that we are able to run large batches of simulations across multiple nodes, significantly reducing the turnaround time. Post-processing and data analysis are carried out using applications such as ParaView, Python and Matlab, all of which are available in the BEAR portal.
How widespread do you think BEAR Services are known in your School and how do you plan to spread the word?
I think that BEAR services are well known and used within the School of Metallurgy and Materials. Having previously been in the BEAR Conference organising committee, I will continue to encourage students from the department to participate in the next conference. I have been engaged in supporting final-year project students in learning how to use the BEAR portal and submitting simulations for their projects.
How can researchers in your School/College contact you?
I am happy for researchers to contact me if they ever have questions or need support, they can do this via email (hxs619@student.bham.ac.uk) or LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/hibah-s-a58b87228/).
What's an interesting fact about you?
My favourite subject is Mathematics, I love differential equations, especially partial differential equations. In my free time I run and dance.