Summary:
Thermoacoustic instability is a highly unwanted phenomenon produced by the two-way coupling between flames and acoustic waves. It leads to pernicious oscillations in the combustors of gas turbines, aero engines, and rocket engines which may result in structural damage, reduced energy conversion efficiency, and increased emissions of harmful byproducts. The combustion of carbon-free fuels, such as hydrogen, is significantly different to traditional fuels, making them more susceptible to instability. Carbon-free fuels are expected to play a critical role in the decarbonisation of combustion systems and, therefore, suppressing thermoacoustic instability is crucial for a successful transition towards a net-zero economy.
A common technique to reduce the propensity to thermoacoustic instability is the use of perforated plates due to their ability to damp acoustic fluctuations. In this project, we will investigate the acoustic response of perforated plates using a combination of high-fidelity numerical simulations, cost-effective numerical tools, and experiments. This study will inform
the design of many engineering systems involving perforations, including the combustors of gas turbines and rocket engines, leading to the design of more efficient and safer combustion
systems.
This doctoral project will involve close collaborations with researchers at Imperial College London, the German Aerospace Research Centre (DLR) and the Southern University of Science
and Technology (SUSTech). The complete project proposal is available via email at juan.guzman@city.ac.uk
Eligibility and requirements:
The candidate should hold a good honours degree (normally no less than a second-class honours degree or an equivalent qualification) in mechanical/aeronautical engineering or a
related subject. They should demonstrate aptitude for original research and possess a good understanding of aerodynamics and computational fluid dynamics. Ideally, the successful candidate should have proven skills in numerical simulations, demonstrate excellent project-work and communication skills.
About City, University of London:
Founded in 1894, City, University of London is a global university committed to academic excellence with a focus on business and the professions and an enviable central London
location.
The PhD student will be hosted by the Department of Engineering in the School of Science and Technology and will have the opportunity to do research in an exciting international
environment in the heart of the City of London. The student will be able to fully exploit the power of our new High-Performance Computer (Hyperion) and world-class laboratories and
facilities. Our Doctoral College will support them with further training in diverse transferrable skills and networking opportunities enabling them to complete their doctoral training with an all-round preparation.
How to apply:
Closing date: 31st of May 2023
Initial informal enquiries can be made to Juan Guzman-Inigo at juan.guzman@city.ac.uk.
Please visit our Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics research degree web page for further information on making a formal PhD application. You should enter the title of the research
project as your proposal when applying