PhD Studentship: Turbulence detection in blood flow using 4D MRI (ENG304)

Turbulence detection in blood flow using 4D MRI

Flow disturbances in blood flow are vital sign of cardiovascular diseases, suggesting a development of turbulent flow due to abnormal heart movement or blocking of the arteries. In recent years, time-resolved Magnetic Resonance Imaging (4D MRI) technique has been developed to detect flow turbulence where the Doppler ultrasound technique does not give reliable diagnosis due to the complexity of the diseases. Since the 4D MRI allows the analysis of complex and unsteady flow patterns deep in the human body, it is suitable for the visualisation and analysis of valvular heart disease or atherosclerosis. However, the clinical decision-making in the use of 4D MRI is restricted only to special cases due partly to the long scanning time required, and partly to the inaccuracy of turbulence measurements. These are the main issues that the proposed PhD study will address. The research work will be conducted by using a vascular flow phantom, guiding the MRI scanning strategy to improve the turbulence detection and quantification. The flow turbulence and velocity in a vascular flow phantom will be measured by Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), against which MRI data will be compared and calibrated. In-silico technique based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) will also be developed to provide further information necessary for the development of new MRI image scanning strategies. 

Interdisciplinary research supervision team

Prof Kwing-So Choi is the Professor of Fluid Mechanics, who specialises in experimental investigations of turbulence and turbulent flows, particularly in turbulence control to improve fluid dynamic efficiencies of aeronautical vehicles and engineering machineries. Prof Penny Gowland is a Professor of Physics, who is a well-established academic in MRI research in biomedical applications by exploiting the capabilities of functional and anatomical ultra-high field MRI in neuroscience. Together, we will support the PhD student in their research and development of time-resolved 4D flow MRI strategies for accurate measurements of flow turbulence in blood flow. The Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre (SPMIC) at the University of Nottingham, is a leading international centre for the development of medical imaging, particularly MRI. 

Eligibility

You must be a university graduate or expecting to graduate with a 1st class degree in engineering, physics, computer science or applied maths, preferably at master's level. A 2:1 degree can be considered for applicants with prior experience in relevant research areas.

Funding

This is a self-funded PhD opportunity, therefore you must secure your own funding either privately or from external/government funding bodies. Students from China are encouraged to apply in partnership with the China Scholarship Council. See the China Scholarship Council Research Excellence Scholarship.  

How to apply

This studentship is open until filled, but early application is strongly encouraged. To apply, please send an email to Prof K-S Choi at kwing-so.choi@nottingham.ac.uk attaching a cover letter, CV and academic transcripts.

Closing Date: 28 Apr 2026
Category: Studentships