Gas turbines are essential components of the future energy mix, with direct applications in power generation and aviation. To address environmental challenges and meet stringent regulation requirements on emission, manufacturers are developing turbines which can operate with e-fuels, such as methanol, which offers a viable alternative to fossil-fuels. Although existing gas turbines offer considerable fuel flexibility, operation with these non-conventional fuels is still challenging due to issues of fuel atomisation, spray penetration length, flame blow-off, flashback, and pollutant emissions.
This studentship is linked to a Siemens Energy funded industrial project, and involves an experimental investigation to characterise e-fuel sprays for industrial injectors under practical operating conditions. Fine atomisation of fuel is vital for achieving low-NOx and high efficiency in combustion systems for gas turbine power plants. Therefore, understanding spray development is important for designing a robust combustion system. Advanced optical diagnostic techniques will be extensively employed in the project to study spray dynamics as they enable highly resolved, non-intrusive measurements of droplet size and velocity. The project will also have an emphasis on design and development of experimental infrastructure and methodology. The scientific outcomes from this project have the potential to positively influence the product development of the industrial partner in the short-term, and in the longterm, help in the development of low-carbon gas turbines.
The selected candidate will be embedded within a team of specialist researchers at UCL Mechanical Engineering and will regularly liaise with other academic and industrial partners associated with this project. The position will also offer opportunities to engage in teaching activities, and work with researchers and engineers in the Energy and Environment group. As a PhD student at UCL, the candidate will benefit from training in high-impact research and high-performance computing, and access to state-of-the-art laboratories. Furthermore, the candidate will be encouraged to publish work in leading journals and present findings in national/international conferences.
Person specification
- Applicants are expected to have obtained a 1st class or upper 2:1 degree (or international equivalent) in engineering, chemistry, physics or a related discipline, with an interest in experimental work and data analysis.
- Excellent organisational, interpersonal and communication skills are essential.
- Background in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, design (CAD) and MATLAB is desirable.
- Fluency and clarity in spoken English as well as good written English in accordance with UCL English requirements (TOEFL>92 or IELTS>6.5) is required.
Eligibility
The position is open to UK, EU and International students.
Please refer to the following website for full eligibility criteria: Mechanical Engineering MPhil/PhD
How to apply
Eligible applicants should first contact Professor Rama Balachandran ([Email Address Removed]) or Dr Andrea Ducci ([Email Address Removed]). Please enclose:
- A one-page statement outlining suitability for the project
- A two-page CV (including contact details of two referees)
After discussing the project with Prof Balachandran or Dr Ducci, eligible applicants should also submit a formal PhD application via the UCL website.
The supervisory team will arrange interviews for short-listed candidates.
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