PhD Research Project

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The dispersion and explosion potential of Engineered Nano-Particles (ENP)

Institution:

University of Leeds

Dept/School/Faculty:

School of Process, Environmental & Materials Engineering

PhD Supervisor:

Prof A S Tomlin

Application Deadline:

No more applications being accepted

Funding Availability:

Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)

PhD Research Project

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Engineered nano-particles (ENP) are now manufactured widely and used in a variety of applications but are known to be an explosion risk, particularly when they comprise organic and metallic powders. In sufficient concentrations they may also pose a threat to human health through various exposure routes. In the event of accident which may lead to a large release of ENP into the atmosphere, a toxic or explosive dust cloud could be formed. If the cloud is within the explosive dust concentration range and an effective ignition source is available it could ignite. It is therefore essential to know the explosive characteristics of such a dust cloud in order to provide prevention/protective systems as part of risk assessments. It is also important to know whether sufficient airborne concentrations are achieved such that an exposure hazard may result. This European Union funded PhD project aims to assess such risks by:

1) Understanding specific ENPs flammability limits, burning rates, and the resulting pressure waves effects
2) Understanding how the ENP can disperse in the gas phase following an accidental release and the concentrations that may result
3) Proposing an experimental protocol to measure explosion parameters that can be tested under laboratory conditions and scaled to real life situations.

The student will:

1) employ and develop an existing explosion vessel, which is equipped with variable speed fans to control the turbulence of the mixture to study nano-particle explosions.
2) perform in-door chamber experiments in order to assess the near-field emission sources induced by reference accidental scenarios leading to the massive release and dispersion of nano-particles
3) Model dispersion processes within the chamber in order to assess the impact of ventilation strategies on potential airborne concentrations and whether they lead to an explosion risk.
The project will involve both experimental and numerical modeling work and therefore students should have suitable background experience in conducting practical work and data analysis. Basic programming skills would also be an advantage.

The project will be part of the large MARINA project involving partners from many European countries and will offer the student the chance to collaborate with international partners.

How to apply: Formal applications for research degree study should be made on-line through the http://www.leeds.ac.uk/students/apply_research.htm. Please state clearly on the funding section of the application form that you wish to be considered for the ‘The dispersion and explosion potential of Engineered Nano-Particles (ENP)’ studentship. In the research information section please state the name Prof Alison Tomlin. For scientific or informal enquiries, please contact a.s.tomlin@leeds.ac.uk. For questions concerning the application procedure, contact phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk.

Funding Notes:

Minimum Academic Requirements
Candidates should have at least an upper second class (2:1) undergraduate honours or Masters degree (or equivalent) in an engineering or physical science subject, or a related discipline. Applicants are expected to have good experimental, mathematical and software skills.