PhD in Systems, Power and Energy - High Energy Density Fuels

About the Project

Start date: ASAP

Current and future UK defence equipment programmes have the enduring requirement of improved range within the fuel volume constraint. Programmes that utilise liquid fuelled motors are limited to standard aviation fuels.

There exist potential options for high energy density fuels: single-liquid fuels, liquid-liquid blended mixtures and nanofluid fuels. Each option comes with different thermo-physico-chemical properties, production requirements and challenges, overall performance and sustainability. There are currently gaps in data availability, reproducibility and repeatability. In addition, the scaling up of the synthetic route to many of these fuels remains to be properly examined in the laboratory and at pilot/demonstration scale.

This project will support the development, testing and routes to production of novel high energy density fuels/additives. More specifically, the aims of this research are to:

1. Address inconsistencies and gaps in the literature.
2. Undertake modelling to assess envelope of uncertainties, e.g. sensitivity analyses on viscosity of mixtures using mixing rules.
3. Undertake independent experimental measurement at laboratory scale of thermo-physico-chemical properties of identified top candidate fuels based on a systematic, bespoke test matrix, including repeatability tests.
4. Develop a bespoke test matrix to ensure continuity from feedstock preparation/synthesis/blending/mixing to thermo-physico-chemical characterization to combustion efficiency and emissions monitoring.
5. Begin to understand laboratory scale production of candidate fuels/additives to include:
   • Labour-intensity
   • Availability of supply-chain
   • Cost

How to Apply: Please follow the application portal for Mechanical Engineering.

https://www.gla.ac.uk/study/applyonline/?CAREER=PGR&PLAN_CODES=H304-7201

Funding Notes

This studentship will pay for the total of home fees and a stipend at UKRI rate for 3.5 years (international students will be expected to pay the difference between home and international fees).