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  • Optical investigation of cryogenic fluids

Funded PhD: Optical investigation of cryogenic fluids

Project in brief

Understanding the mechanisms that lead to the phase change and atomisation of cryogenic fluids is a key step towards the efficient distribution and storage of energy vectors such as liquefied hydrogen. However, limited knowledge about these complex processes hinders the development of accurate physical and numerical models. This exciting 4-year industry-funded PhD studentship, hosted within our Advanced Engineering Building, will allow the successful candidate to join an internationally-leading research centre and establish themselves as an independent researcher to help advance our understanding of cryogenic fluids. This PhD studentship will provide an outstanding training in optical measurement techniques, fluid dynamics and heat transfer, with many potential applications across the energy and transport sectors.

Key Facts

Location: Brighton, Moulsecoomb

Themes: Hydrogen; energy vectors

Research centre: Advanced Engineering Centre

Application deadline: Monday 17 April 2023, 17.00

Expected interview dates: Week commencing Monday 01 May 2023

Mode of study: Full-time only

Start date: October 2023


Find out how to apply

Project supervisors at Brighton

Profile photo for Prof Cyril Crua

Prof Cyril Crua

I supervise research students in experimental thermofluids, including the development of optical measurement techniques for droplets, sprays and other complex flows. These subjects are often linked to applications in energy (fuel efficiency, energy recovery, carbon capture), manufacturing (Minimum Quantity Lubrication) and medical devices (bioartificial organs, optical implants).

I have supervised 14 PhDs to completion and examined 20 PhDs in the UK, France, Denmark, Malaysia, and Australia. I currently supervise 3 PhDs researching spray systems and complex fluids (Paul McGinn, Alex Gander, Louis Dacanay).

Profile photo for Dr Guillaume De Sercey

Dr Guillaume De Sercey

My supervisory interests follow my research interests. I'm particularly interested in supervising postgraduate students in flow measurement research, in particular spray imaging applied to various domains such as fuel, lubricants, and cryogen atomisation.

Other project supervisors

Dr Konstantina Vogiatzaki, University of Oxford

Other collaborators

BP

Project in detail: Optical investigation of cryogenic fluids

Research in cryogenic fluid flow conditions is becoming increasingly urgent as interest in hydrogen fuel dispensing, among other energy carriers, grows rapidly. Understanding how to effectively maintain cryogenic conditions during fluid transfers can help optimise energy consumption by hydrogen dispensing stations, focusing on minimising dispensed cost. Gaining a fundamental understanding of flow and phase change for cryogenic fluids such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) and hydrogen (LH2) has the potential to improve safety, reliability and efficiency.

This PhD project aims to provide new understanding of cryogenic fluids used as energy vectors, by co-optimising the fluid dynamics, heat transfer and injector design. This will be achieved using advanced optical diagnostic and measurement techniques, and through the investigation of the influence of fluid physical properties, injection strategies and injector design on the flow of cryogenic liquids. Spray development will be captured using ultra-high speed video imaging. Droplet sizes, shapes and velocities will be measured using high-resolution microscopy, and the team will also attempt to measure droplet temperature and evaporation rates using novel laser diagnostic techniques. These new measurements will aim to provide new fundamental understanding of cryogenic flows, and high-precision data for the validation of numerical and data-driven models. This will develop new knowledge on heat and mass transfer to help deliver an important net-zero carbon technology for the energy sector.

The project offers a unique opportunity for the successful applicant to develop their independent research and innovation path under the guidance of an internationally recognised research team. The successful candidate will be joining a team of multidisciplinary researchers in our Advanced Engineering Centre, and will work in close collaboration with the industry project partner (BP), and our academic partner at the University of Oxford who will use these new measurements to develop new numerical models.

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.

Applicants are also required to submit a 1000 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 a minimum of 6.5 in all components.

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 BP and is open to applications from candidates considering full-time 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 4 years.

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 1000 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 ‘Optical investigation of cryogenic fluids’. 
  8. Click 'apply'.  

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

Apply online now

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