PhD Studentship: Theoretical and experimental investigation of screw compressor bearings for their comprehensive modelling

This PhD studentship is funded by CERES - Industrial Consortium for Compressors and Expanders in Future Energy Systems. The Centre for Compressor Technology started the Industrial Consortium to create a network of partners for addressing global challenges by performing world-leading research in compression and expansion technologies for future energy systems and expanding the scope by sourcing funds from research. 

Applications are invited for a PhD studentship in the Department of Engineering. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work on Theoretical and experimental investigation of screw compressor bearings for their comprehensive modelling

Pressure forces acting on positive displacement compressor rotors are substantial compared with turbomachinery. Bearings are therefore a key component of rotary positive displacement machines where both the high axial and radial loads must be supported. There are several bearing types available to carry such high pressure forces, with rolling element and hydrodynamic bearings commonly used in screw compressors. Experimental validation of the bearing losses is challenging due to the difficulty of isolating separate contributions to the overall mechanical losses in a real machine. This project therefore has two key aims:

Aim 1) To characterise the speed, load, and space requirements of different bearing types, and investigate opportunities for extending the current operating envelope of screw machines.

Aim 2) To specify and develop an experimental test-rig to provide focussed bearing performance measurements under controlled conditions. This will involve the development of a modular test-bed with independent control of the pressure difference, rotational speed, and lubrication conditions. 

The test-rig will allow detailed investigation of bearing losses due to axial & radial loads under representative conditions for both oil-free and oil-flooded configurations. The experimental data obtained will be used to develop improved models of bearing performance for compressor and expander applications.

Eligibility and requirements 

The candidate should have a first or upper second-class MEng (or equivalent, or higher) degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physics or Technology. They should demonstrate aptitude for original research.

A doctoral candidate is expected to meet the following pre-requisites for their PhD: 

1. Demonstrate a sound knowledge of their research area;
2. Achieve and demonstrate significant depth in at least a few chosen sub-areas relevant to their primary research area;
3. Demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research, including a critical assessment of their own and others’ research;

What we offer

The scholarship is for 3 years and will provide an annual tax-free stipend of £21,237 and tuition fees (Home or Overseas). 

Each student can also earn around £2,200/year on an average (max. is around £4,300/year) through a teaching assistantship.

How to apply

Online applications should be submitted via the online course prospectus.

For queries regarding the application process, email pgr.sst.enquire@city.ac.uk

For queries regarding the project, please contact Prof Nikola Stosic n.stosic@city.ac.uk

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