Exciting Funded PhD: CFD Modelling of Seals for High-Pressure, Low-Carbon Storage Technologies - Help Shape the Future of Clean Energy Storage!'

Are you passionate about pushing the boundaries of engineering and accelerating the transition to a carbon-neutral energy system through groundbreaking research?

The University of Sheffield’s Department of Mechanical Engineering’s Thermofluids Group seeks am enthusiastic and self-motivated PhD student to join a groundbreaking project on Computational Modelling of Mechanical Seals. This project is funded by John Crane Ltd, one of the world’s leading providers of engineered technology.

Make a real difference:

• Be at the forefront of developing efficient storage solutions for a sustainable future.
• Play a key role in the transition towards a carbon-neutral world through innovative technology.
• Help unlock the potential of hydrogen storage and carbon capture technologies.

Your project:

• Utilise Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to model the complex gas flow within high-pressure mechanical seals.
• Analyse the interaction between the gas film and the seal surfaces.
• Investigate the transport of contaminants within the seal.
• Collaborate with researchers at the University's renowned Leonardo Centre for Tribology.
• Gain valuable industry experience by working closely with John Crane, gaining valuable experience in a world-renowned company. John Crane is a $1Bn industry and the world leader in mechanical sealing. Plus, the opportunity to work at John Crane's research centre (Manchester) and manufacturing site (Slough).

Why Choose Us?

• Funded PhD: at the standard EPSRC rate covering fees and bursary. Funding is only available to cover the level of fees set for UK applicants for 4 years. Applicants from non-UK/EU will need to cover the extra fees from their own funds.
• World-Class Environment: Join a vibrant research group and access state-of-the-art facilities.
• Industry Experience: Gain practical experience with a leading company in the field.
• Make a Global Impact: Contribute to a project with significant implications for clean energy.

Requirements:

• First-class or upper-second class honours degree (or international equivalents) in Engineering, Physics, or Applied Mathematics.
• Prior experience with coding and CFD / CFD programming is desirable but not mandatory.

Interested?

Contact Dr. Marco Colombo (m.colombo@sheffield.ac.uk) for informal inquiries.

Apply Now: www.shef.ac.uk/mecheng/phd/applying (include personal statement, curriculum vitae, two reference letters and degree transcripts to date).

More information

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, 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, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Sheffield. The project is funded by John Crane ( $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 will be working closely with them and have the opportunity to work at their sites in Manchester and Slough.

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