Lawrence Jones
University of Sheffield
Co-hort year: 2025
I started my PhD after completing a Master of Mechanical Engineering (MEng) at The University of Sheffield. Through this course I undertook an industrial placement for a year working as an applied sciences engineer for a medical engineering consultancy in Bristol. Follow this I undertook a final year project in fluid structural interaction simulation of a heart valve to assess clotting behaviours on both flexible and rigid mechanical heart valves. Winning the Institute of Mechanical Engineering (IMechE) Prize for best Final Year project.
My PhD project aims to develop understanding of magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) turbulent phenomena that occur within the extreme conditions of fusion reactor breeder blankets. These systems involve the complex interaction between electrically conducting fluids, strong magnetic fields, and high heat fluxes, which play a critical role in the performance and safety of fusion power plants. I will investigate this using direct numerical simulations (DNS)/large eddy simulations (LES). These approaches enable high-fidelity modeling of turbulent flow structures, magnetic field effects, and heat transfer processes.
The research specifically focuses on developing and validating models that are directly relevant to existing and future experiments, including CHIMERA, LLiMFA, and SmallLab projects, in collaboration with the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA). By aligning the simulations with these experimental frameworks, the project seeks to enhance predictive capabilities, improve understanding of flow-magnetic field coupling, especial on sub grid scales, and inform the design of future fusion blanket systems. Ultimately, this work aims to contribute to the broader goal of optimizing liquid metal breeder blanket performance and supporting the advancement of practical, sustainable fusion energy.
Email: ljones20@sheffield.ac.uk
