Career

• 2016-present Professor of Fluid Mechanics, Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics
• 2012-2016 Reader in Fluid Mechanics, Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics
• 2001-2012 University Senior Lecturer, Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics
• 1997-present Director of the GK Batchelor Laboratory

Research

Fluid mechanics of the environment in which we live and how our activities utilise fluid mechanics motivate much of Stuart's research. His work is characterised by a blend of theoretical, numerical and experimental approaches, frequently with a mix of all three in any given project.

Recent projects have included

• Internal gravity waves 
• Gravity currents
• Granular flows
• Rayleigh-Taylor and Richtmyer-Meshkov instabilities
• Stratified turbulence
• Rotating turbulence
• Buoyant plumes
• Resuspension
• Building ventilation
• Decontamination
• Reactive flows
• Bursting water-filled balloons

Stuart has run DAMTP's GK Batchelor Laboratory for over 25 years, and has not only led the development of the world-leading facilities, but has also been instrumental in developing the diagnostics and software used widely in the research community.

PhD opportunities

Stuart is interested not only in PhD students with a mathematics background, but also those with engineering, physics or other similar undergraduate degrees.

Although yet to be confirmed, it is likely that in 2023 he will have ear-marked PhD funding for projects on (i) skipping stones and (ii) purging hydrogen gas from pipelines. Both projects would be attractive to someone wanting a combination of experimental, numerical and theoretical approaches to challenging problems.

Stuart is also keen to pursue projects in the broader realm of geophysical, environmental and industrial fluid mechanics.