Funded PhD Studentship on Thermoacoustic Instability in Hydrogen-Rich Combustors

Imperial College London

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Description

Applications are now being welcomed for a funded research studentship in the field of fluid dynamics at Imperial College London, offered through an EPSRC iCASE award in collaboration with Siemens Energy. This prestigious opportunity is designed for motivated researchers who wish to contribute to cutting-edge work at the intersection of fluid mechanics, combustion science, and sustainable energy technology. The project is situated within the global effort to decarbonize power generation systems, particularly through the adoption of hydrogen as a clean and efficient alternative to conventional fossil fuels. While hydrogen offers significant environmental benefits, its use in gas turbines introduces important challenges - most notably an increased tendency toward thermoacoustic instability. This phenomenon arises from a complex and potentially damaging interaction between acoustic pressure waves and unsteady heat release from combustion. Left unchecked, such instabilities can lead to excessive vibrations, structural fatigue, reduced efficiency, and in severe cases, catastrophic engine failure. Understanding and mitigating these coupled behaviors is therefore essential for the safe and reliable operation of next-generation hydrogen-fueled turbines. The central aim of the research is to develop advanced computational frameworks capable of accurately predicting thermoacoustic behavior and guiding design strategies that eliminate or reduce instability risks. The student will investigate innovative multi-scale modeling approaches that integrate wave-based acoustic solvers with high-fidelity Large Eddy Simulation (LES) techniques used to capture flame dynamics and unsteady combustion processes. By bridging these scales - ranging from global acoustic modes to localized turbulent flame structures - the project seeks to produce computational tools that are both predictive and efficient, making them practical for industrial design applications. This work will not only advance fundamental understanding of combustion–acoustic coupling but also contribute directly to the engineering of cleaner, safer, and more sustainable energy technologies. 

Responsibilities

Research Focus & Methodology

The PhD project will center on developing a fully computational framework capable of predicting thermoacoustic instability in a hydrogen-rich experimental lab combustor. The work integrates advanced combustion modeling, acoustic analysis, machine learning techniques, and high-fidelity simulations. The candidate will be involved in designing, implementing, and validating computational tools that can support the transition toward hydrogen-based energy systems. Expanded methodological objectives include:

• Flame Simulation Tools: The candidate will evaluate and refine state-of-the-art numerical tools capable of accurately capturing hydrogen combustion characteristics. This will involve examining how hydrogen’s fast flame speed, low molecular density, high diffusivity, and distinct chemical kinetics influence flame stability. Additional emphasis will be placed on selecting or developing turbulence-chemistry interaction models that remain robust under hydrogen-enriched conditions.
• Multi-Can Combustion Modeling: Gas turbines often contain multiple discrete combustion chambers - or “cans” - that are acoustically coupled through downstream flow paths. The researcher will design new acoustic modeling frameworks capable of simulating these multi-can interactions. This includes developing reduced-order acoustic models that account for wave propagation, mode coupling, pressure fluctuation synchronization, and the complex feedback loops that drive thermoacoustic instability in industrial-scale combustors.
• Simulation & Machine Learning Integration: The project will make extensive use of OpenFOAM for high-resolution CFD simulations, enabling detailed analysis of turbulent flow fields and unsteady heat release patterns. The candidate will also incorporate machine learning approaches to accelerate simulations, identify nonlinear relationships between hydrogen enrichment and instability behavior, and create predictive surrogate models that reduce computational cost. Techniques such as neural networks, regression modeling, or dimensionality reduction may be employed to capture flame–acoustic coupling efficiently.
• Experimental Validation & Mode Prediction: A critical component of the work involves validating computational predictions against experimental data provided by project collaborators. The candidate will analyze instability behavior for single-can, two-can, and three-can operating configurations, assessing how geometric arrangement and coupling strength influence the oscillatory modes. Successful prediction of these modes will confirm the reliability of the multi-scale modeling approach and support its application to industrial gas turbine design. 

Qualification

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements: 

• Educational Background: Applicants must hold a 1st class honours degree (or an equivalent high academic achievement) in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related discipline such as Chemical Engineering, Physics, or Applied Mathematics with strong relevance to fluid mechanics or thermofluids.
• Foundational Knowledge: A solid understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and numerical methods is expected to ensure readiness for advanced research work.
• Research Experience: Prior exposure to research projects, especially those related to combustion, CFD, or acoustics, will be considered a strong advantage. Experience with final-year projects, dissertations, or summer research placements will also strengthen the application.

Residency Requirements:

• UK Connection: Candidates must meet EPSRC studentship eligibility rules, which typically require evidence of a relevant and sustained connection with the UK, often demonstrated through long-term residence.
• Funding Eligibility: Only applicants who qualify for home fee status are eligible, meaning they must satisfy criteria relating to UK nationality, residency duration, or settled/pre-settled status under UK visa and immigration regulations.
• Documentation: Applicants may be asked to provide supporting documents - such as proof of residency, citizenship, or visa status - to confirm compliance with EPSRC funding conditions.

Required Skills & Competencies:

• Technical Interests: A strong and genuine interest in fluid dynamics, thermoacoustics, combustion science, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is essential.
• Software & Tools: Familiarity with simulation platforms such as OpenFOAM, ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+, or other CFD tools is highly desirable. Basic programming skills in Python, MATLAB, or C++ will be beneficial for simulation, data processing, and machine learning integration.
• Analytical Abilities: Strong mathematical and numerical skills to analyze complex physical systems, interpret computational results, and contribute to model development.

Personal Attributes:

• Motivation: The ideal candidate is highly enthusiastic, curious, and deeply motivated to pursue advanced research in energy systems and hydrogen combustion.
• Self-Driven: Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage long-term research tasks with minimal supervision.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication abilities for presenting research outcomes, preparing technical reports, and engaging with industrial collaborators such as Siemens Energy.
• Teamwork: Willingness to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary research team, including academic supervisors, PhD peers, and industry partners. 

Funding and Location

Location:

• Institution: The research studentship is based at Imperial College London, one of the world’s leading universities in science, engineering, and technology.
• Campus: The primary location is the South Kensington Campus, situated in the heart of London, offering access to world-class laboratories, libraries, and academic facilities.
• Research Environment: Students will be immersed in a vibrant academic setting known for cutting-edge research in thermofluids, combustion, and energy systems.
• Collaborative Setting: The campus fosters a highly interdisciplinary culture, enabling interaction with experts from various engineering and scientific fields.
• Accessibility: The location provides easy access to London’s innovation hubs, research institutions, and industry centers, enhancing opportunities for networking and collaboration.

Funding:

• Bursary Support: The studentship includes a generous stipend/bursary to support living expenses throughout the PhD duration, typically aligned with EPSRC standard rates.
• Tuition Fees: The funding fully covers tuition fees at the UK student rate, ensuring no financial burden for eligible "Home" students.
• Duration: The studentship typically spans 3 to 3.5 years, covering both academic study and research activities.
• Industry Sponsorship: The project is funded through an EPSRC iCASE award, meaning it includes additional industry-linked support and engagement opportunities.
• Professional Development: The funding structure may also support participation in conferences, workshops, and specialized training aligned with the project.

Research & Work Environment:

• Research Group: The candidate will become part of a supportive and active research group specializing in combustion, acoustics, CFD, and thermoacoustics.
• Supervision: The project includes co-supervision with Siemens Energy, offering valuable industrial insights and mentorship from experts working on real-world gas turbine technology.
• Industry Exposure: The collaboration provides opportunities to visit partner laboratories, engage in industrial problem-solving, and gain experience with practical combustor testing setups.
• Academic Resources: Access to state-of-the-art computational facilities, high-performance computing clusters, advanced simulation tools, and experimental data for validation.
• Networking: The environment encourages building strong professional networks through academic seminars, industrial meetings, and multi-institutional research collaborations. 

Application Process

Step 1: Informal Inquiry:

• Initial Contact: Interested candidates should begin the application process by reaching out directly to the project supervisor.
• Supervisor: Prof. Aimee Morgans, an expert in thermoacoustics and computational combustion.
• Submission Requirement: Applicants must send an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV) that outlines their academic background, technical skills, research experience, and any relevant achievements.
• Purpose of Inquiry: (a) To confirm suitability for the project. (b) To discuss research alignment and expectations. (c) To determine eligibility for EPSRC-funded iCASE studentships.

Email for Submission: Prof. Aimee Morgans (a.morgans@imperial.ac.u) 

Recommendation: Candidates are encouraged to briefly introduce themselves, highlight their strongest qualifications, and express interest in the project in their email.

Step 2: Formal Application:

• Next Stage: Candidates shortlisted after an informal evaluation will be invited to complete a formal application.
• Application Platform: The formal PhD application must be submitted through Imperial College London’s electronic application system, accessed via the College Registry portal.
• Purpose of Formal Submission: (a) Verification of academic qualifications. (b) Confirmation of eligibility for funding and residency criteria. (c) Review of supporting documents such as transcripts, references, and personal statements.

Required Documents:

• Certified academic transcripts.
• Degree certificates (if available).
• Two academic references.
• Personal statement outlining motivation and research interests.

Additional Guidance: How to Apply Guide: Imperial Mechanical Engineering PhD Application - provides step-by-step instructions for completing the online form.

Research Overview: Mechanical Engineering Research at Imperial - helps applicants understand the department’s expertise and research culture.