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    • Modelling of a split cycle engine
  • Modelling of a split cycle engine

Funded PhD: Modelling the air induction process in a split cycle engine

Project in brief

This project aims to develop fundamental understanding and new computational models for the complex problem of turbulence and mixing in high-speed liquid jets at the vicinity of Mach 1. The understanding of liquid jet behaviour is of critical importance in the design and development of new automotive propulsion technologies such as the recuperated split cycle engine. The project will focus on the fundamental fluid mechanics, development of a coherent framework for describing and modelling unsteady supercritical flow, and implementation of a practical simulation methodology for the air induction process in the engine. The research will take place within a group in the Advanced Engineering Centre at the University of Brighton, and will be supported by experimental research funded by Dolphin N2.

Key Facts

Location: Brighton, Moulsecoomb

Themes: Liquid jet behaviour; turbulence modelling; recuperated split cycle engine

Research centre and school: Advanced Engineering Centre

Application deadline: Wednesday 31 May 2023, 16.00

Expected interview dates: Early June 2023

Mode of study: Full-time or part-time

Start date: 01 September 2023


Find out how to apply

Project supervisors

Profile photo for Dr Chris Stafford

Dr Chris Stafford

I am interested in supervising research projects within the broad domain of fluid dynamics modelling. This encompasses both mathematical modelling to extract physical relationships that exist within flows, and numerical modelling to enable and improve the simulation of flows. My main focus is the study of dispersed multiphase flows, where the use of statistical descriptions for the dispersed phase is an active area of research in the development of numerical and mathematical models which are both computationally efficient and accurate. Also of interest is the development of turbulence models that are able to account for the physical effects present in specialised flow configurations.

Profile photo for Prof Robert Morgan

Prof Robert Morgan

My research is in the broad area of sustainability focusing on clean, efficient propulsion for transport and large scale energy systems. My work in engines is currently focused on the recuperated split cycle engine, working industrial partners such as Ricardo and Fiat Powertrain. This research includes experimental activities on engines and test rigs and fundamental modelling of the processes in the engine using computation fluid dynamics. I also work in energy systems, such as liquid air energy storage and sustainable fuels. I welcome approaches from PhD applicants working in these and related areas.

Other collaborators

Dolphin N2

Project in detail: Modelling the air induction process in a split cycle engine

The project will consist of 3 phases:

Phase 1: Develop fundamental understanding of ultra-high speed liquid jet behaviour in a gaseous environment, and the interaction of the jet with the surrounding turbulence. Although liquid jets have been studied extensively, in reality there are many knowledge gaps in respect to the jet behaviour and modelling at ultra-high speeds that cause compressibility effects become important. The work in this phase will use large eddy simulation (LES) to inform understanding of the required jet behaviour, and the data obtained will be used to develop Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) turbulence models which are able to accurately capture the observed jet behaviour.

Phase 2: Liquid jet interaction with high-speed air jets will be investigated as a means to control the turbulent mixing in order to improve atomisation. RANS models developed in phase 1 will be applied, and if necessary, adjusted to account for jet-to-jet interaction by comparison with LES data. Studies on flow and spray fields will be performed under various Mach numbers, injection positions, and injection angles. Modelling in phase 1 and 2 will be based on the open source computational fluid dynamics software OpenFOAM.

Phase 3: The third phase of the project will involve the implementation of the understanding and modelling from phase 1 and 2 to real life applications. One of the applications that will be considered is the recuperated split cycle engine because of the in-house experimental data available for validation. The recuperated split cycle engine has demonstrated high efficiency and ultra-low emissions on liquid diesel fuels. Through a novel combustion focused design methodology, a combination of fast mixing of the oxidant and reductants with low temperature combustion chemistry achieves thermodynamic conditions that suppress the formation of oxides of nitrogen. The air induction process in a split cycle engine is fundamentally different to conventional engines, with the charge air starting at a supercritical state and high-pressure ratios across the valves resulting in choked flow and the formation of a supersonic air jet.  This presents significant modelling challenges and requires a fundamentally new approach to how the air induction process will be modelled. During this phase of the project the models from phase 1 and 2 will also be transferred to the CONVERGE software which allows for more realistic geometries to be simulated.

Entry requirements

Academic entry requirements

Applicants should have a minimum of a 2:1 undergraduate degree and desirably hold or expect to achieve excellent grades in a Master's degree in a relevant subject from a UK university or comparable qualifications from another recognised university.

The successful applicant will ideally have some knowledge of turbulence modelling, and experience in programming and computational fluid dynamics simulations. Applicants should be able to demonstrate an interest in the more general modelling of energy systems.

Applicants are also required to submit 500 word research proposal.

Eligibility criteria 

Due to the post’s funding it is only open to Home applicants as defined by the  Fees Regulations.   

English language entry requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must have successfully completed a Secure English language Test (SELT) in the last two years. Applicants who have obtained or are studying for a UK degree may apply without a SELT. However, the university may request a SELT is taken as part of any award made.

English language IELTS requirements are 6.5 overall with no component below 6.0. 

We accept a number of English language qualification including IELTS. Please contact us if you have any queries arising from this. Further details can be found here:  

Prove your English language abilities with a secure English language test (SELT) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

Funding

This studentship is jointly funded by the University of Brighton and by Dolphin N2 and is open to applications from candidates considering a full-time or part-time mode of study. For students meeting the Home fee requirements, the studentship consists of full UK tuition fees as well as a Doctoral Stipend at the UKRI rate. For full-time study the studentship is for 3 years, for part-time student, the studentship is for 6 years, with the stipend being 50% of the UKRI rate.

Contact us to find out more

If you have any questions about the project, please contact the lead supervisor via the contact details on their profile page above.

If you have any questions about the funding or application process, please contact DoctoralCollege@brighton.ac.uk

Guide to making your application

We will only consider complete applications - the application is complete once you have uploaded all of the following:  

  • Your 500 word research statement and response to the project.  
  • Copies of your bachelors and master certificates, including transcripts.  
  • Copy of your IELTS (or equivalent) certificate (if applicable).  
  • Copy of your passport.  
  • Two references uploaded or requested - one must be an academic reference from your most recent period of study. Both must have been written within the last year. 

Read our research proposal guide

To submit your application please follow these steps:  

  1. Click the 'apply online now' button, on the right.  
  2. Select 'register and start a new application', to create your user account.  
  3. Once you are logged in, select 'apply to a new course'.  
  4. Select the type of course 'research degree'.  
  5. Select mode of study 'full-time'.  
  6. Select 'Doctoral College'.  
  7. Select ‘Modelling of a split cycle engine’ 
  8. Click 'apply'.  

You will now be able to complete the online application form. 

 

 

Apply online now

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