Abnormal Combustion of Hydrogen in Prosperous Net-Zero Engine

Applications are invited for one full-time PhD Studentship within the Mechanical Engineering research and PhD programmes | Brunel University London funded by Shell Global Solutions. The PhD studentship is for a period of up to 48 months (4 years), effectively from 1 January 2025. The successful applicant will receive an annual stipend (bursary) of £23,000 plus payment of their full time Home tuition fees.

Project title: Abnormal Combustion of Hydrogen in Prosperous Net-Zero Engine

New energy technologies are vital in decarbonising heavy goods vehicles. Hydrogen is a carbon free fuel that helps with net-zero transition but hydrogen faces several challenges in the field of combustion due to its auto-ignition characteristics. This project aims at developing mechanisms to understand hydrogen combustion that will account explicitly for the chemical and residual gas effects under a wide range of pressures and temperatures. Software such as CHEMKIN, CONVERGE, FOAM and in-house developed MATLAB codes will be used in this research to understand Hydrogen combustion in Heavy Duty Engines.

Informal enquires may be addressed to Professor Lionel Christopher Ganippa or Professor Thanos Megaritis via email to lionel.ganippa@brunel.ac.uk and thanos.megaritis@brunel.ac.uk

Eligibility

Applicants will have or be expected to receive a minimum 2:1 or 1^st class degree in mechanical or aerospace or chemical engineering or chemistry or any related discipline with an experience in programming and knowledge in Chemical Kinetics or Combustion. A master’s qualification is an advantage but not essential.

How to apply

Please e-mail your application comprising of all the documents listed below in One PDF file to

cedps-pgr-office@brunel.ac.uk by 12.00 on Monday 30 September 2024

Your up-to-date CV;
A research statement of 500-1,000 words setting out your project ideas:
A one A4 page personal statement setting out why you are a suitable candidate (i.e.: your skills and experience);
A copy of your degree certificate(s) and transcript (s);
Names and contact details for two academic referees;
Evidence of English language capability to IELTS 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in all sections), if applicable

Interviews will take place in October 2024.

Remember to state the title of the project in the subject line of your email.

Meet the Supervisor(s)

Lionel Ganippa - Academic and Professional Qualifications PhD Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden Licentiate in Engineering Chartered Engineer (CEng) Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (FIMechE) Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) Member of the Combustion Institute Academic and Research Career 2018 - Professor in Mechanical Engineering, Brunel University 2014 – 2018 Reader in Mechancial Engineering, Brunel University 2009 – 2014 Senior Lecturer in Internal Combustion Engines, Brunel University London 2005 – 2009 Lecturer in Internal Combustion Engines, Brunel University London 2003 – 2005 Post Doc, Division of Laser Physics, Radboud University, The Netherlands Administrative Responsibilities Course Director for Mechanical Engineering Board of Studies

Thanos Megaritis - Academic Career April 2023 to date. Head of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering 2011 to date. Professor in Thermofluids, Brunel University London 2005-2011. Senior Lecturer/Reader in Thermofluids, Brunel University London 1999-2005. Lecturer in Thermofluids, Mechanical Engineering, University of Birmingham 1994-1998. Research Associate, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemical Technology, Imperial College London Academic and Professional Qualifications PhD, DIC, Internal Combustion Engines, Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London Dipl Ing Mechanical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece EurIng(FEANI) Chartered Engineer, CEng

Related Research Group(s)

Automotive - Our industry-focused expertise is supporting the future development of new transport technologies, helping address the challenges of producing cleaner, more efficient vehicles and fuels along with integrated intelligent transport systems.

Aerospace Research Centre - The Aerospace Research Centre integrates aerodynamics, aeroacoustics and aerostructures to tackle emerging areas in 21st-century aerospace industries with far-reaching impacts.