Collection and analysis of aircraft soot from conventional and Sustainable Aviation Fuels towards contrail and calibration assessment

About the Project

4 year fully funded EPSRC funded CDT studentship

In conjunction with Rolls-Royce, this project is experimental / empirical in nature and will involve sampling, collection and analysis of non-volatile Particulate Matter (nvPM), representative of real-world aviation propulsion gas turbines operating on both conventional and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). The research follows on from a successful DTP PhD studentship and will develop an understanding of the impact of fuel composition on the witnessed physical, chemical and morphological properties of regulated nvPM, which is known to detrimentally impact both local air quality and climate.

The collected samples will be traceably analysed using real-time and off-line analysis techniques available at Cardiff University & Rolls-Royce (LII, DMS, TEM, RAMAN Spectroscopy, TGA etc.). Once fully characterised, bespoke methodologies will be developed in order the nvPM can be suitably stored and resuspended. Particular attention will be made to understanding the stability and reproducibility of the prepared sample, in order that the morphology and concentration of the prepared particles is fully understood batch-to-batch and across a given timescale. These surrogate nvPM samples will then be tested both internally and by the Rolls-Royce emissions team informing further development and/or improvement throughout the study. Once a suitable level of confidence is demonstrated, the prepared samples will be further interrogated towards becoming an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) reference standard (TRL 8) required for activities such as traceable instrument calibration and laboratory assessment of secondary organic aerosol and contrail formation.

Research Environment

Following an initial 9-month training programme at Cranfield University, the PhD student will be based in the School of Engineering at Cardiff University, within the Centre for Research into Energy Waste and the Environment, which has strong expertise in combustion, energy production, aviation propulsion and emissions measurement and certification. The University hosts a specialist Gas Turbine Research Centre (GTRC) capable of simulating aviation relevant high pressure combustion trials along with laboratories and instrumentation for the assessment of gaseous and particulate emissions, providing an excellent experimental research environment.

Supervision is provided by an experienced academic team with expertise in combustion, aerosol measurement and emissions regulation within the School of Engineering, alongside collaboration with the School of Physics at Cardiff University, where there is extensive experience in colloid preparation and carbon structure & surface characterisation.

The studentship is sponsored by Rolls-Royce, a global leader in aerospace propulsion with a strong commitment to emissions regulation and Net Zero. The student will benefit from close industrial engagement, including access to full-engine testing and calibration laboratories. As part of the CDT, the student will also have access to a wide network of industrial, government, and research partners across the aviation sector.

Learning and Development Opportunities

While working on this exciting research project, you will be provided with:

• A fully funded four-year, full-time PhD, including tuition fees for UK home students and a tax-free stipend of £25,183 per year
• Cohort-based and individual modular training covering technical, research, professional, and personal development
• A minimum three-month fully funded industrial or research placement with Rolls-Royce, with regular access and contact of industrial teams throughout the project
• Industrial supervision and mentorship, complementing academic supervision
• Access to approximately 40 industrial, government, and research partners through the Net Zero Aviation CDT
• Access to world-class research and education facilities at Cardiff University and partner organisations

Through this programme, the student will develop advanced skills in aerosol science, experimental design, and data analysis, alongside broader professional skills in communication, project management, and responsible research.

Graduates of the CDT in Net Zero Aviation will emerge with a unique interdisciplinary combination of technical and professional skills, a deep understanding of the aviation ecosystem, and a sustainability-driven mind.

Academic Criteria

Candidates should hold or expect to gain a first-class degree or a good 2.1 (or their equivalent) in Engineering or a related subject.

Desirable skills & Experience

Experimental and Technical Skills

• Experience with practical laboratory experimentation.
• Familiarity with aviation propulsion systems and their emissions or a strong interest in developing expertise in this area.
• Experience of measurement or modelling of combustion (ideally aviation) aerosol.

Data and Research Skills

• Ability to analyse experimental data and interpret complex performance trends
• Experience with scientific reporting, including writing technical reports or papers
• Problem-solving skills applied to open-ended research challenges

Interdisciplinary Working

• Willingness to work across disciplines (engineering, chemistry, physics and regulation/certification)
• Ability to work both individually and collaboratively with industrial and CDT partners and engage with applied, industry-led research

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent)