The University of Bath is inviting applications for the following PhD project commencing in October 2021.
Project team: Dr Tang, Dr Scobie & Prof. Lock
Informal queries should be directed to Dr Tang - [Email Address Removed]
Project:
The next generation of aero-engines will require an increase in the total pressure ratio in order to improve efficiency and meet environmental targets. This will decrease the height of the compressor blades, and with current clearance-control technology this would result in increased aerodynamic losses and flow instability. Therefore, the next generation of aeroengines requires improved blade-clearance control. The blade clearance is controlled by the radial growth of the discs, which is strongly affected by the temperature distribution and in turn the heat transfer in rotating cavities. For aeroengines, in which the conditions change for take-off, cruise and landing, the prediction of the transient heat transfer is important. At present, designers tend to use empirical correlations or computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The correlations are quick to compute but are often inaccurate; CFD is expensive and time-consuming, making it impractical for the iterative procedures that are used in the design process. Hence it is important to create fast and accurate theoretical models of transient heat transfer in compressor cavities. It is therefore the object of this project to develop theoretical models of transient heat transfer in compressor rotors and validate the models through experiments on the compressor rig at the University of Bath. The project’s goal will be achieved via delivering on the following objectives: (1) Develop theoretical and computational models to predict transient heat transfer in compressor cavities and its effects on the temperature, stress and radial growth of compressor rotors. (2) Validate the models using experimental data collected from the multi-cavity rig at the University of Bath. (3) Implement the models in collaboration with engine manufacturers. The proposed project will be developed within the Turbomachinery Research Centre (TRC) at the University of Bath. The centre is worldwide known for the development of theoretical models and experimental facilities for the investigation of the flow in rotating cavities in gas turbines. The centre has industrial collaborations with Siemens and Rolls Royce. The models developed from the project will be of direct use to the engine manufacturers.
Candidate Requirements:
Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, an undergraduate Masters first class degree or MSc distinction (or equivalent from non-UK top-tier University). English language entry requirements must be met at the time of application to be considered for funding, see Postgraduate English language requirements for international students (bath.ac.uk)
Application:
Formal applications should be made via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. Please ensure that you state the full project title and lead supervisor name on the application form. Please state if you intend to apply for a Global Doctoral Scholarship as part of the URSA PhD studentship competition.
https://samis.bath.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login?process=siw_ipp_app&code1=RDUME-FP01&code2=0015
More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found here:
http://www.bath.ac.uk/guides/how-to-apply-for-doctoral-study/
Expected start date: 4 October 2021
Fee status:
Information may be found on our fee status guidance webpage, on the GOV.UK website and on the UKCISA website.
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