Details
We are excited to offer a fully funded PhD opportunity in Mechanical Engineering at The University of Sheffield for someone with a passion for computational fluid dynamics modelling. The successful applicant will join an active team of researchers in fuels related topics, where they can develop their research skills, and will benefit from strong links with collaborators from UK academic institutions and industry.
This project is a part of a line of research that aims to understand and model the phenomenon of deposition, as well as generating optimal designs to mitigate this unwanted phenomenon.
Topic of research
Impinging jets are flow features seen in heat exchangers and aero engine fuel injectors, and they can result in complex flow behaviour in terms of recirculation regions and wall shear stresses. Impinging jets can suffer from the development of deposition that is governed by chemical, fluid flow, and heat transfer processes, and once deposits are formed, they can affect fluid flow and heat transfer as part of a feedback loop.
This project aims to implement deposition modelling capability in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software, and then to develop numerical optimisation process in CFD for the design of impinging jets to produce optimal configurations where the propensity for deposition is minimised. This can be done by developing a deep understanding on how wall shear stresses and surface temperatures affect deposit formation, and then using this knowledge to develop the optimisation process.
This work can lead to a significant improvement over current designs that will bring benefits of reduced deposit formation. Heat exchangers and aero engine parts will require increased maintenance intervals and work with greater efficiency while minimising heat losses and energy consumption, all of which can contribute positively in the global aim of increasing energy efficiency.
During this project you will gain significant experience in:
- Turbulent fluid flows and computational fluid dynamics
- Deposition from chemically reacting flows
- Formulating mathematical models for deposition modelling
- Numerical optimisation methods
- Programming for high performance computing for CFD
- Using a range of software and high performance computing platforms
Requirements
We are looking for a self-motivated applicant with strong passion for fluid mechanics. Applicants should have (or about to receive) a degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Civil, or Chemical Engineering, Physics, or Applied Mathematics with at least a UK 2:1 honours grade or its international equivalents.
To apply, please use our on-line application form, including:
- Personal statement
- Curriculum Vitae
- Two reference letters
- Degree transcripts to date
About Sheffield
Sheffield is a vibrant, diverse and affordable city. It is an extraordinary place to live and is known for its music, art, and digital scenes The Student’s Union has been consistently voted No. 1 in Whatuni Student choice awards for many years. You can find out more about Sheffield at https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/sheffield-guide/quick-guide
Applying
If you are interested in applying and would like to find out more details about the project, please contact Dr. Spiridon Siouris at [email protected] or Dr. Ruoyang Yuan at [email protected]
For any questions regarding the application process please contact Marina Boulis at [email protected]
The deadline for applying for this position is at 23:59 on 30th April 2024. Candidates are strongly advised to apply at the earliest possible rather than closer to the deadline.
Funding Notes
The funding for this opportunity includes fees set for UK (Home) applicants and a tax-free stipend of £18,622 per year, up to 3.5 years. Overseas applicants will need to cover the difference in fees from their own funds which is approximately £22,018 per year for 3.5 years. No exceptions can be made for fee payment. Overseas applicants must ensure they can pay the fees prior to applying or sending any enquiries.