PhD Studentship in Engineering - EPSRC CASE PhD Studentship in Mechanical Engineering – Numerical Simulation of Turbulent Combustion for Improving Efficiency and Reducing Emissions in Spark Ignition Engines

Number of awards:

1

Start date and duration:

September 2018 for4 years.

Overview:

Current state-of-the-art in applied spark-ignition engine modelling frequently relies on empiric closures for turbulent flame speed, which suffer from substantial uncertainty associated with validity and applicability across the range of the engine operation parameters.

Currently-available experimental data (with the majority focussing on planar flames) do not provide sufficient information to reduce this uncertainty. Current best practice is based on using a simple expression for turbulent flame speed and optimisation based on a comparable engine’s test data.

This project aims to use high-fidelity simulation of flame kernels under typical engine conditions to improve fundamental understanding, to enhance accuracy and robustness, and to reduce uncertainty associated with turbulent flame speed prediction.

The resulting turbulent flame models will be implemented in the VECTIS CFD suite, from Ricardo UK, and evaluated in real engine simulations.

The student will receive training in turbulence and combustion theory and modelling, detailed chemistry, analysis, mathematics, advanced computational techniques, programming, supercomputing, and presentation skills. The student will be encouraged to attend and present at (inter)national conferences to disseminate their work and gain exposure to the field.

Sponsor:

EPSRC (https://epsrc.ukri.org/) and Ricardo UK (https://ricardo.com/)

Name of supervisor(s):

Dr Andy Aspden (https://bit.ly/2yAHSaA) and Professor Chakraborty (https://bit.ly/2K9kSRm), School of Engineering (https://bit.ly/2IfFA0a)

Eligibility Criteria:

You must have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent, in engineering, mathematics, or related subject.

This award is available to UK/EU candidates. If English is not your first language, you must have IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills).

How to apply:

You must apply through the University’s online postgraduate application system. To do this please ‘Create a new account’ (https://bit.ly/2yv5IEs).

All relevant fields should be completed, but fields marked with a red asterisk must to be completed. The following information will help us to process your application. You will need to:
•insert the programme code 8090F in the programme of study section
•select ‘PhD Mechanical Engineering (full time) – Mechanical and Systems Engineering’ as the programme of study
•insert the studentship code ENG032 in the studentship/partnership reference field
•attach a covering letter and CV. The covering letter must state the title of the studentship, quote reference code ENG032 and state how your interests and experience relate to the project
•attach degree transcripts and certificates and, if English is not your first language, a copy of your English language qualifications.