Caroline Marshall

Background

I graduated with an MPhys in Physics at the University of Swansea in 2012. In my final year, I studied path integrals in quantum mechanics and field theory, specifically I calculated the partition functions of the free particle and the harmonic oscillator. Since graduation, I completed teacher training and spent a year teaching secondary science. I am keen to continue using the skills I learned as a teacher in the future.

Research Interests

My research aims to quantify the turbulence structure of constant influx gravity currents, in particular looking for large scale coherent structures. Gravity currents are a very common class of geophysical flow, including powder snow avalanches, underwater landslides, and haboobs. They are also an important one, for example they are the primary mechanism of sediment / solute / heat in oceans. There is therefore significant interest in understanding their structure. I have collected experimental data using both planar particle image velocimetry and particle tracking velocimetry. Alongside this, I have conducted some direct numerical simulation of the same experimental setup using the spectral element solver Nek5000.

Why I chose the CDT in Fluid Dynamics

The CDT appealed to me because of the industrial links and strongly interdisciplinary nature of the course. As a large group, we will be able to support and encourage each other along the way. Additionally, the opportunity to meet and spend time with the supervisors before choosing a project is brilliant.