IC engine emission after treatment: Spray boundary interactions within SCR systems

Application details
Reference number: EL2018
Start date: 1st October 2018
Closing date: 28th May 2018

Supervisors
Primary supervisor: Dr. Edward Long
Secondary supervisor: Prof. Graham Hargrave

Project Detail
This PhD opportunity is fully funded by Ford Motor company through their university research project program.

SCR (Selective Catalyst Reduction) is a key factor in meeting current and future emission targets, including real-driving-emissions. An effective SCR system enables the reduction of NOx in the exhaust gas and allows engines to be recalibrated to higher NOx production from the combustion process, which in turn will aid better fuel economy and thus reduced CO2. SCR systems operate by using ammonia as a reductant to react with NOx on a catalyst, producing nitrogen, water and carbon dioxide.

To avoid safety concerns around storage of ammonia, this is formed in the engine exhaust by the injection of urea as an aqueous solution. As a result, the dosing of the urea-water solution, and the subsequent evaporation, thermolysis/hydrolysis processes, are critical to system performance. It has been demonstrated that catalysts can provide excellent conversion of nitrogen-oxides when supplied with uniform distributions of ammonia, even at low temperatures. However, this capability often cannot be fully utilized due to the limitations of the urea dosing systems available.

Working with the Ford Motor company, the aim of this PhD is to use state-of-the-art optical diagnostic experimental techniques to provide critical insight into the complex field of two-phase interactions involved in SCR-dosing such as liquid-film formation, evaporation and urea deposit formation. Partnering with Ford’s research staff, this project has the potential to reduce harmful NOx emissions and improve engine performance.

Loughborough University
Loughborough University is a top-ten rated university in England for research intensity (REF2014) and an outstanding 66% of the work of Loughborough’s academic staff who were eligible to be submitted to the REF was judged as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’, compared to a national average figure of 43%.

In choosing Loughborough for your research, you’ll work alongside academics who are leaders in their field. You will benefit from comprehensive support and guidance from our Graduate School, including tailored careers advice, to help you succeed in your research and future career.

Find out more: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/supporting-you/research/

Entry requirements
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering or a related subject. A relevant Master’s degree and/or experience in one or more of the following will be an advantage: Fluid mechanics, automotive engineering, optical engineering.

Funding information
This is a funded Ford Motor company university research project. The annual stipend on this project will be £17553 per annum for a period of 3 years, plus tuition fees at the UK/EU rate. Due to funding restrictions, this is only available to those who are eligible to pay UK/EU fees.

Contact details
Name: Dr Edward Long
Email address: [Email Address Removed]
Telephone number: 01509 227535

How to apply
All applications should be made online at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/. Under programme name, select Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering

Please quote reference number: EL2018