Solving problems of hydrogen safety by CFD-FEM simulations

Summary

Hydrogen is a cornerstone of transition to net zero future. It is clean alternative to fossil fuels across all sectors. Safety is the main concern for deployment of hydrogen systems and infrastructure.

To close numerous knowledge gaps and address technological bottlenecks in hydrogen safety the use of cutting-edge modelling and simulation tools is needed. It is recognised that the most advanced research methodology is coupled CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) and FEM (Finite Element Method) modelling and simulations.

This is the only methodology allowing simulations of fluid-structure interaction (FSI) that are met in incidents.

The PhD researcher will develop, validate and apply coupled CFD-FEM to advance hydrogen safety science and engineering to solve challenging problems of hydrogen safety that will be define by externally funded national and EU projects of HySAFER Centre.

The examples include but are not limited to the following.

• Safety design of gaseous and liquid hydrogen storage systems onboard of vehicles (road, rail, waterborne and airborne systems), including integrity of storage room and ventilation system equipment in case of incident.
• Design and investigation of efficiency of mitigation barriers to reduce pressure and thermal effects during incidents at refuelling stations.
• Investigation of other emerging problems like incidents with hydrogen-natural gas blends in pipelines infrastructure, including FSI for scenarios with buried pipelines failure.

The developed models will be validated against experimental data available from HySAFER projects, literature and partners.

The successful candidate is expected to have a background in one of the following disciplines: mathematics, physics, CFD, FEM, heat and mass transfer, combustion, and similar. Previous experience of numerical studies is welcome.

The research will be conducted at the HySAFER Centre using contemporary ANSYS software and the state-of-the-art high-performance computing facilities of Kelvin-2 in Northern Ireland.

The results will be presented at international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.

AccessNI clearance required

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £21,000 (approximately) per annum for three years* (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available to home candidates, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.