PhD Studentship: CFD modelling of seals for high-pressure, low-carbon storage technologies

About the project

Are you passionate about pushing the boundaries of engineering and accelerating decarbonization and the transition to a carbon neutral energy system through groundbreaking research? Join the Department of Mechanical Engineering’s Thermofluids Group at the University of Sheffield for a PhD focused on the computational modelling of mechanical seals funded by John Crane Ltd.

The transition towards a carbon-neutral world will rely heavily on efficient storage solutions. Hydrogen will play a key role as an energy carrier to make energy from intermittent renewable sources available where and when it is needed and decarbonize transportation and carbon intensive industries. A substantial contribution is also expected from technologies to capture and store the CO₂ from the atmosphere. All these technologies will rely on high pressure storage solutions, achieved by means of rotating machineries equipped with highly specialized mechanical seals to prevent leakage. Mechanical seals have a rotating face that is pressed against a stationary face, and are designed to use a tiny amount of leaked gas to prevent the faces to come in contact and wear down.

In this project, you will study the gas flow inside the seal using computational fluid dynamics. The project will target areas such as the fluid dynamics of the gas film and its dynamic coupling with the solid boundary, and the transport of solid contaminants and particles by the gas in the seal. You will collaborate and interact with experimental and modelling research undertaken at the Leonardo Centre for Tribology of the University of Sheffield. The project is funded by John Crane and you will be working closely with them and have the opportunity to work at their sites in Manchester and Slough.

John Crane Ltd is a $1Bn industry and the world leader in mechanical sealing. They design, manufacture, install, and support sealing for all kinds of rotating machines for all industries. You would be working with the research center in Manchester and the manufacturing site in Slough.

If you are interested in applying and wish to discuss any details of the project informally please contact Dr Marco Colombo (m.colombo@sheffield.ac.uk).

How To Apply

• Applicants should have (or about to receive) a degree in engineering, physics or applied mathematics that is at least a UK 2:1 honours grade or its international equivalents. Previous experience with coding and CFD programming is desirable but not mandatory.
• Applications should be made at: http://www.shef.ac.uk/mecheng/phd/applying and include a personal statement, curriculum vitae, two reference letters and degree transcripts to date

Funding Details:

This studentship includes a fee bursary to cover the UK (home) rate, and an annual tax-free maintenance stipend at the standard UK Research rate (£19,237 in 2024-25) for up to 4 years. Overseas applicants will need to secure additional funding to cover the difference in fees, or with their own funds which is approximately £22,884 per year.

Closing date: 30 June 2024

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