Numerical investigations of turbulent flame-wall interactions

Understanding flame-structure-turbulence interactions for hydrogen flames will be crucial to the development of the next generation of low emissions combustion technologies. Direct Numerical Simulations (DNS) play a key role here, but even with leading methods and codes, the computational resources required a very large. This project will seek to enhance our understanding of these interactions, in the setting of rough- and porous-walled channels, addressing some of the following questions: How does wall geometry influence flame attachment, stability, local quenching? How can combustor geometries be designed to reduce flashback and blow-off of hydrogen flames? How can turbulence models be amended to improve performance in non-trivial wall-bounded turbulent reacting flows? The project will use state-of-the-art codes for direct numerical simulations, whilst exploiting novel data-driven methods for evaluation of time-averaging uncertainties, with the aim of reducing the computational costs required, developing reduced order models, and obtaining fundamental insight into turbulent flame-wall interactions.

The project will involve extensive code development and use of high-performance computing (HPC) systems. Experience in computational fluid dynamics, turbulence, scientific programming and HPC systems is highly desirable.

Eligibility

Applications should have either:

a) a First class honours degree, or

b) an undergraduate degree at 2:1 or above, and a Masters award at Merit or above

in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD, or equivalent international qualifications.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply.

How to apply

To be considered for this project you’ll need to complete a formal application through our online application portal.

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, how you’re planning on funding your research, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees 

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing [Email Address Removed].

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).