PhD Studentship in Water-Based Lubrication

Imperial College London - Department of Mechanical Engineering

Applications are invited for a research studentship in the field of Tribology and Lubrication, leading to the award of a PhD degree. The post is supported by a bursary and fees (at the UK student rate) provided by the EPSRC/Shell IDLA award. EPSRC candidates should fulfil the eligibility criteria for the award.

Lubrication is crucial for the efficiency, durability and reliability of machines. We must however ensure responsible use of lubricants by minimising its impact to the environment. This experimental project is centered around the development of novel water-based lubricants for EVs and environmentally-friendly hydraulics. The aim of this project is to improve the understanding and the ability of designing aqueous lubricants based on polymer solutions in water. The main objectives are to study the fundamental aspects that govern the performance of water-based polymer solutions as lubricants. This will be pursued by looking at novel sustainable formulations of polymers to form separating films with characteristics similar to those achieved with the best performing conventional lubricants. We will be adopting our modern experimental techniques, which include very high shear rate viscometry, film thickness measurement rigs and conventional rolling-sliding tribometers as well as in-contact fluorescence to explore the in-contact composition of lubricant films and local viscosity and rheological description of the fluids under consideration. This will be coupled with the use of in-house models that can be employed to explore and predict the behaviour of newly developed fluids in different components and applications of interest to Shell.

You will be an enthusiastic and self-motivated person who meets the academic requirements for enrolment for the PhD degree at Imperial College London. You will have a 2:1 honours degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials, physics or a related subject, and an enquiring and rigorous approach to research together with a strong intellect and disciplined work habits. An interest in experimental research is essential. Good team-working, observational and communication skills are essential.

To find out more about research at Imperial College London in this area, go to:

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/research/

For information on how to apply, go to:

http://www.imperial.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/study/phd/how-to-apply/

For further details of the post contact Dr Janet Wong j.wong@imperial.ac.uk. Interested applicants should send an up-to-date curriculum vitae to Dr Wong. Suitable candidates will be required to complete an electronic application form at Imperial College London in order for their qualifications to be addressed by College Registry.

Closing date: until post filled