PhD Studentship on Thermoacoustic instability in hydrogen-rich combustors

Applications are invited for a research studentship in the field of fluid dynamics, leading to the award of a PhD degree. The post is supported by a bursary and fees (at the UK student rate) provided by the EPSRC through an iCASE studentship with Siemens Energy. Candidates must demonstrate relevant connection with the UK, usually established by residence, as is standard for EPSRC funding. 

Thermoacoustic instability is caused by a two-way coupling between acoustics waves and unsteady combustion. It can occur in the combustors of gas turbines and leads to damaging high amplitude oscillations. The need to decarbonize energy generation is driving the transition to hydrogen as a fuel. However, hydrogen enrichment increases propensity to thermoacoustic instability. In order to design-out thermoacoustic instability, accurate and efficient methods for its computational prediction are needed. Multi-scale computations, which couple different treatments for the acoustic waves and the flame, are particularly efficient. The acoustic waves are captured using linear, wave-based models, while the flame unsteadiness is obtained using computational fluid dynamics in the form of large eddy simulations (LES). These coupled approaches have been applied with success to predict thermoacoustic instability in real combustors, but not as yet for hydrogen-rich combustors.

This PhD will work towards this in two key ways. Firstly, to deal with hydrogen’s vastly different properties – its fast flame speed, low density, high diffusivity etc - compared to traditional fuels, the best flame simulation tools for thermoacoustic predictions will be investigated. Secondly, for the largest, most efficient gas turbines, combustion occurs in separate but linked “cans”. New acoustic models will be developed for multiple cans interacting at their downstream end.

The project will combine mathematical modelling and flow simulations for hydrogen combustion, the latter using the OpenFOAM CFD package. Machine learning will be used to model the effect of hydrogen enrichment on the flame. The project will work towards fully computational prediction of thermoacoustic instability in an experimental hydrogen-rich lab combustor (at a collaborator’s lab) which can operate in single-can, two-can and three-can modes.

You will be an enthusiastic and self-motivated person who meets the academic requirements for enrolment for the PhD degree at Imperial College London. You will have a 1st class honours degree in mechanical engineering or related subject and demonstrate excellent project-work and communication skills. You will be interested in fluid dynamics, acoustics and computational fluid dynamics. You will join a supportive and inclusive research group and benefit from co-supervision with the Siemens Energy partner.

To find out more about research at Imperial College London in this area, go to:

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/research/

For information on how to apply, go to:

http://www.imperial.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/study/phd/how-to-apply/

For further details of the post contact Prof Aimee Morgans, [Email Address Removed]. Interested and eligible applicants should send an up-to-date curriculum vitae to Prof Morgans. Suitable candidates will be required to complete an electronic application form at Imperial College London in order for their qualifications to be addressed by College Registry.

Closing date: until post filled