EPSRC IDLA project: Understanding the Combustion of Advanced Sustainable Fuels and Additives in Engines Operating at High Speeds

The Department of Mechanical Engineering is inviting applications for the following fully funded 4 year PhD at the University of Bath, funded by EPSRC and Shell (subject to contract).

This project may close when a suitable candidate is identified, so early application is encouraged.

Project

Are you interested in future sustainable fuels for motorsport and other applications?

Sustainable fuels derived from biomass and waste or synthesised directly from green hydrogen and captured CO2 (“e-fuels”) offer a promising solution for decarbonisation of propulsion of different sectors, from hard-to-electrify off-road sectors to motorsport. Their production pathways and feedstocks result in residues and chemical components that are usually not found within mineral-derived fuels. Motorsport engines typically operate at higher engine speeds and this results in additional challenges in the application of those fuels for racing applications, specifically with regard to fuel evaporation and mixture homogeneity, and the consequences for performance and emissions.

This work focuses on the investigation of advanced sustainable fuels for motorsport application in combination with additives that might impact the fuels’ properties and performance. Engine experiments will be performed with a research engine to verify the performance of the fuel at different speed ranges both with and without additives. Focus of the study will be on the fuel evaporation and mixing behaviour as well as engine knock tendency.

The study is expected to provide invaluable insights on mixture formation and knocking behaviour of alternative sustainable fuels. While the investigation focuses on high speed operation in the context of overcoming challenges for generic motorsport applications, the fundamental knowledge on chemical and physical effects of alternative fuels and additives for propulsion systems will support the wider adoption of bio-fuels and e-fuels in the broader propulsion landscape.

The project will be in collaboration with colleagues in the IAAPS Research institute and as such you will be a member of the IAAPS doctoral training https://www.aaps-cdt.ac.uk/ including comprehensive training opportunities. Experimental work may also occur at our IAAPS facilities on the Bristol and Bath science park http://www.iaaps.co.uk

Candidate Requirements

As a minimum, we require candidates to have or expect to receive a First-class or 2:1 Masters degree (over 60%), or international equivalent, in a relevant area i.e. Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or equivalent.

Non-UK applicants must meet our English language entry requirement.

Enquiries and Applications

Informal enquiries are encouraged! Direct these to Dr Stefania Esposito – se662@bath.ac.uk

Please make a formal application via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Mechanical Engineering

When completing the form, in the ‘Funding your studies’ section, please select ‘EPSRC industrial CASE’ from the drop-down menu. Please also provide the project title and supervisor name in the ‘Your PhD project’ section of the form.

FAILURE TO COMPLETE THESE STEPS WILL CAUSE DELAYS IN THE PROCESSING OF YOUR APPLICATION AND MAY CAUSE YOU TO MISS THE DEADLINE.

More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found on our website.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We value a diverse research environment and strive to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We encourage applications from under-represented groups.

If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.

The Disability Service ensures that individuals with disabilities are provided the support that they need. If you state if your application that you have a disability, the Disability Service will contact you as part of this process to discuss your needs