Rolls-Royce EPSRC CASE Industrial Studentship Development of enhanced damping configurations for gas turbine combustion systems

Nationality: UK/EU

Deadline: 31 August 2012.

Loughborough University - School of Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering 

Applications are invited for the above studentship within the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre in Combustion Aerodynamics located within the Department of Aeronautical and Automotive, Loughborough University
Gas turbine engines are susceptible to combustion instability which can lead to large acoustic pressure oscillations that can significantly compromise engine performance. However, one strategy by which such instabilities can be avoided is to increase the absorption of acoustic energy (i.e. damping) within the combustion system. The initial phase of the programme is aimed at understating the influence of incorporating passive damping devices within such an engineering environment. For example, recent investigations have shown the performance of practical geometries to be somewhat different from the more idealised geometries on which existing work and models are based. This improved understanding will lead to the optimisation of existing damping configurations. However, subsequent work will involve the investigation of more novel configurations and geometries aimed at enhancing the amount of energy being absorbed for a given unsteady pressure drop and flow rate. These may then be considered for future engine applications.
It is anticipated the project will utilise existing data, simplified experiments and/or the use of numerical modelling based techniques as part of the investigation.
Students must have a first or upper second class academic qualification in a relevant engineering discipline.
The EPSRC CASE studentship will be based within the Rolls-Royce UTC at Loughborough University for a period of 3½ years. The studentship provides a minimum tax free stipend of £16,000 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus tuition fees at the UK/EU rate. NOTE: UK students and those EU students who have been resident in the UK for a minimum of three years are eligible for a full award comprising fees and stipend. Other EU students are eligible for a fees-only award. To see if you would be eligible for a full or fees only award, please refer to the EPSRC's residency eligibility criteria: EPSRC Studentship Funding Guide.
Informal enquiries about the project should be made to Dr Jon Carrotte: j.f.carrotte@lboro.ac.uk
Information about the Department of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering can be found at: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/aae/research/postgraduate/
Details about the application process can be found here: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/essentialinformation/howtoapply/
Please quote the following reference when applying: JFC/MW/EPSRC