Experimental study on flame instability of zero-carbon fuels

This project is sponsored by the UK Engineering and Physical Science Research Council, and it is part of the EPSRC’s portfolio for sustainable energy including hydrogen and bioenergy. This PhD project is a fantastic opportunity to work with the expert team in the Birmingham CASE Automotive Research and Education Centre which is a cross-campus research institute in a global top 100 university. Over 40% of power generation relies on the combustion of natural gas in the UK. Hydrogen has been added to natural gas for reducing carbon emissions. Since hydrogen has higher diffusivity and lower molecular weight which influences flame instability when added to natural gas, the project will investigate hydrogen flame instability through experiments so that it can make a timely contribution to energy-saving and decarbonization towards the hydrogen energy scenario in transportation and power generation. The outcomes of the PhD projects include 1) new image-processing methods, 3) new combustion models for the predicating of fire/ explosion hazards and 3) new designs of zero-emission combustion systems.

Application requirements:

We are looking for a motivated individual with a strong background (first-class degrees) in Mathematics, Physics, Automotive Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering. The successful candidate must have a solid background in Fluid Mechanics and fulfil at least two of the following skills:

· Experience in optical diagnostics (Schlieren techniques);

· Modelling and programming (Fortran, MATLAB, Visual C, or Python);

· CFD in combustion.

Contact:

Please email Professor Hongming Xu (h.m.xu@bham.ac.uk) or Dr Ji LI (j.li.1@bham.ac.uk) if you are interested in this position. Attach a CV and explain briefly how you fulfil the above requirements. It should be noted that candidates who have related research publications are desirable. Candidates that do not fulfil the mandatory requirements should not expect an answer.

Excellent PhD applicants will have the opportunity to be sponsored by University’s PhD scholarship or industry funding. Besides, we can support applications for external funding (e.g., CSC PhD Scholarship).