About the Project
Supervisory team: Dr John Walker
This project combines tribology, advanced surface engineering and real-time Raman spectroscopy to reveal how protective tribofilms form and fail under extreme conditions. Working with the National Physical Laboratory, you'll develop durable engine surfaces that could unlock cleaner, longer-lasting heavy-duty transport.
The global transport sector is facing an enormous challenge to transition to clean carbon sources of propulsion and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. One pathway to propulsion decarbonization is combustion of diesel alternatives such as hydrogen. However, efficient combustion of sustainable fuels can lead to formation of corrosive species from unburnt fuel or condensed water vapour, degrading the tribological performance of protective tribofilms on the cylinder liner surface.
This project will assess the tribological impact at the ring-liner interface of a hydrogen fuelled off-grid heavy duty combustion engine using dynamic pressure sliding, a technique that simulates the variable contact pressures along the stroke of the 4-stroke cycle. The key novelty of the project is ascertaining liner surface evolution and quantifying tribo-film formation and removal as a function of contact conditions, carried out using in-operando Raman spectroscopy at the National Physical Laboratory. The principal challenge in qualifying this technique is achieving sufficient optical penetration through the lubricant film to acquire a reliable, scattered Raman signal without excessive attenuation.
The project will quantify tribo-layer formation using in-operando Raman, to observe surface chemistry development in real-time. This will be verified through the use of scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy before determining the influence that water contamination has on lubricant emulsification and tribo-film degradation. The goal of the project is to engineer surfaces that will enable durable operation of hydrogen fuelled combustion engines for heavy duty transport and off highway applications. You'll be trained in Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy.
The School of Engineering is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees' well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.
Entry requirements
You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent.
Fees and funding
We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students. Horizon Europe fee waivers automatically cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students.
Competition-based Presidential Bursaries from the University cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants.
Competition-based studentships offered by our schools typically cover UK-level tuition fees and a stipend for living costs for top-ranked applicants.
Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.
For more information, please visit our postgraduate research funding pages.
How to apply
You need to:
- choose programme type (Research), 2027/28, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- select Full time or Part time
- search for programme PhD Engineering & the Environment (7175)
- add name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application
Applications should include:
- your CV (resumé)
- 2 academic references
- degree transcripts and certificates to date
- English language qualification (if applicable)
Contact us
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
For questions about applying, please [contact details available in the full listing].
Project leader
For an initial conversation, [contact details available in the full listing].
