Injection, ignition and combustion of zero-carbon fuels and their application to IC engines

Applications are invited for up to 4 full-time PhD studentships starting 1 April 2024.

You will receive an annual stipend (bursary) of £21,237 including inner London weighting, plus payment of their full-time home student tuition fees for a period of 36 months (3 years). UK (Home) and overseas nationals who meet the academic entry criteria set out below are welcome to apply.

The project

You will join the Centre for Advanced Powertrain and Fuels to work on an exciting project on experimental and numerical studies of ignition and combustion of zero-carbon fuels, such as ammonia, hydrogen and methanol, and their applications in internal combustion engines. Fundamental studies of fuel injection, mixing, ignition and combustion processes will be investigated by means of optical/laser measurements, thermodynamic engine experiments, and three-dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling. You will be a member of a large research group that conducts experimental and modelling studies, many of which are in collaboration with industrial partners. You will be required to present progress at regular project meetings with stakeholders and contribute to the publication of journal papers and conference proceedings.

Please contact Dr Xinyan Wang at xinyan.wang@brunel.ac.uk and Professor Hua Zhao at hua.zhao@brunel.ac.uk for informal discussions about the project.

Skills and experience

Experience in optical measurements, engine experiments or engine CFD modelling will be an advantage. You should be highly motivated, able to work independently as well as in a team, collaborate with others and have effective communication skills.

Eligibility

You should hold or expect to be awarded an undergraduate degree classified at first class or equivalent. An MSc degree classified at Merit or above would be an advantage.

Where applicable, you should hold an English Language proficiency qualification to an overall score of IELTS 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in all sections) or equivalent or provide confirmation of your test date if you do not yet hold this qualification.

How to apply

Please submit the documents below as a SINGLE PDF file to xinyan.wang@brunel.ac.uk and cedps-pgr-office@brunel.ac.uk by 12:00 on Wednesday 28 August 2024:

• Your current CV;
• A one A4 page, single-spaced personal statement setting out (i) your interest in this project and (ii) why your skills, experience and background are relevant for this position;
• Your undergraduate and postgraduate degree certificates and transcripts, translated into English if appropriate;
• Evidence of your English Proficiency to IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) or confirmation of your IELTS test date if you have not yet achieved this qualification.

Interviews will take place in September 2024.

Please, remember to put the project title in the subject of your email.