PhD Study : Large-scale Premixed Combustion Modelling and Simulations

Summary

Pressure and thermal effects from large-scale deflagrations can be extremely hazardous due to the transition of initially laminar premixed combustion to the fast deflagration and finally through deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT) to detonation. The role of various flame front instabilities and combustion acceleration mechanisms, especially in confined and congested environment, still not fully understood. Moreover, the interaction and thus development and elimination dynamics for each of them of different instabilities and mechanisms is not yet clarified. Modelling and simulation of transitional phenomena in premixed combustion with interplay of different instabilities and acceleration mechanisms remains a challenging problem for combustion researchers. This is particularly valid for large-scales problems relevant to accidents.

The Ulster multi-phenomena deflagration model is under continuous development during last two decades. The multi-phenomena model currently accounts for the dependence of burning velocity on changing during combustion pressure and temperature of unburnt mixture, turbulence generated by flame front itself, turbulence in unburnt mixture, increase of burning rate due to preferential diffusion in stretched curved flames in turbulent flame brush, fractal structure of turbulent flame front, etc.

The research on inclusion of Richtmyer-Meshkov instability has been carried out recently. The model has been under continuous validation against a growing number of large-scale experiments, primarily hydrogen-air deflagrations, DDT and even detonations. It is expected that a candidate will develop the model further using the state-of-the-art in the field and expand the validation domain to the following problems of practical importance: delayed ignition of highly turbulent hydrogen jets, flame propagation through large-scale flammable mixture in congested geometry, deflagration-to-detonation transition, coherent deflagrations during vented gaseous explosions, etc. Experimental data on large-scale deflagrations are available for use as validation tests from previous projects, in which Ulster University was a partner, our partners in various European projects, and in literature. The successful candidate will work at HySAFER Centre, which is a key provider of hydrogen safety research and education globally.

The candidate will focus on CFD modelling and numerical simulations, use relevant software (FLUENT, OpenFOAM, etc.), multi-processor Linux-based hardware, etc. The results of this doctoral research will be used in HySAFER’s externally funder projects and should be reported at international conferences. Publication of results in peer reviewed journals is expected.

Education in combustion and experience in CFD are welcome. The state-of-the-art software and hardware are available. HySAFER pursues a wide international collaboration strategy through national (EPSRC) and overseas (H2020) research projects.

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.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• 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.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living