Applications are invited for a PhD studentship in the Rolls-Royce supported Thermo-Fluid Systems University Technology Centre at the University of Surrey. The appointee will develop, apply and interpret computer models to study flow and heat transfer in rotating disc cavities subject to free convection in the centrifugal force field interacting with forced cooling flows. The research is directly related to axial compressor drum cooling in gas turbine engines and is expected to lead to improvements of engine thermo-mechanical modelling in industry.
With use of hydrogen and sustainable fuels, gas turbines are expected to play a significant part in achieving net zero carbon emissions. Hence there is a need for continuing improvement in gas turbine engine design and development of reliable predictive methods for engine performance and design. Modern aeroengine design focusses on higher pressure ratios and smaller engine cores. Compressor blade tip clearance thus becomes increasingly important for engine performance. Control of the clearance during steady and transient engine operating conditions requires calculation of disc radial growth, which in turn requires the calculation of the convective heat transfer inside the rotating compressor disc cavities. The flow inside the compressor cavities is buoyancy driven, and is highly unstable, unsteady and three-dimensional. Conventional RANS and URANS models are incapable of predicting the heat transfer in this kind of flow, but recent research at the University of Surrey has demonstrated that large eddy simulation (LES) can give useful predictions. This PhD project will develop and use advanced LES technology to investigate the nature of the buoyancy-driven flow in rotating compressor cavities, comparing with high fidelity experimental measurement from collaborators, and interpreting results to develop thermal modelling techniques suitable for use in industry.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work closely with supervisors Professor John Chew and Dr Olaf Marxen at the University of Surrey and within the Centre for Aerodynamics and Environmental Flow. There will also be opportunities to interact with collaborating partners at Rolls-Royce and the University of Bath. This will deliver insight and understanding of important physical mechanisms that can lead to improvements in the state of the art.
Find out more about the School of Mechanical Engineering Sciences
Find out more about the Centre for Aerodynamics and Environmental Flow
This project is open to UK and international students starting in October 2022.
Entry requirements
Applicants should have a first class or a good upper second degree in engineering or a related subject. Experience in programming, or willingness to develop this skill, would be desirable.
English language requirements: IELTS Academic 6.5 or above (or equivalent) with 6.0 in each individual category, or equivalent. More about our English language requirements.
How to apply
Applications should be submitted via the Aerodynamic and Environmental Flow PhD programme page on the "Apply" tab.
In place of a research proposal you should upload a document stating the title of the project that you wish to apply for and the name of the relevant supervisor.
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