PhD Studentship - Propellant Ambiguity for Radio-Frequency Plasma Micro-Propulsion (AMBI-RF)

Recently, there has been a growing interest in alternative propellants for electric propulsion systems. For high-power, deep-space satellites, this search has focused on a replacement for xenon, with leading contenders being iodine and bismuth. For ‘off-the-shelf’, academic, and commercial satellites the search for alternative propellants is includes many molecular substitutes such as ammonia, water, peroxide, ethanol, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide. Notably, such compounds are abundant in comets and asteroids, raising the possibility of In-Situ Resource Utilisation (ISRU) for refuelling purposes. Ammonia and water in particular have not been well studied, despite presenting a storage-dense, cheap, and abundant (both terrestrially and in-situ) propellant solution for satellite operations.

To address these knowledge gaps, this 3-year (36 month) PhD studentship will investigate the feasibility of such alternative propellants for use in Radio Frequency electrothermal propulsion systems, as compared to traditional cold-gas propulsion systems. Numerical modelling of thruster performance will be undertaken by the PhD candidate using the 2D fluid/Monte-Carlo Hybrid Plasma Equipment Model (HPEM), under the supervision of the primary PI, Dr. Scott J. Doyle. Investigations into the feasibility of off-world refuelling and the application of “dirty”, CO2/H2O impurity containing, propellant mixtures will also be addressed. 

This 3-year (36 month) PhD studentship will address this shortfall in the literature by compiling a potable ammonia/nitrogen/hydrogen reaction mechanism, building upon prior work via the inclusion of vibrational ammonia and nitrogen states. Exploring how such complex vibrationally excited molecular species interact with, and alter, existing multi-harmonic and magnetised control techniques in radio-frequency driven plasmas is of critical importance to fundamental plasma science and a wide range of applications from materials processing to chemical catalysis. The successful candidate will contribute the field of electric spacecraft propulsion by facilitating a broader understanding of the pros and cons of molecular, nitrogen-containing, propellants within the high-powered air-breathing and low-to-mid powered electric propulsion environments.

The successful applicant should have either a Masters degree or a first class honours degree in Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related subjects.

The applicant will have demonstrated capabilities in computational modelling and large-scale data analysis. A working knowledge of FORTRAN, or a similar low-level language, is essential. Prior experience with fluid or kinetic numerical modelling schemes and/or plasma diagnostic techniques is desirable but not essential.

Informal enquiries are encouraged, please contact Dr. Scott Doyle for further information.

Application:

• Formal applications can be completed online: www.abdn.ac.uk/pgap/login.php
• You should apply for Physics (PhD) 
• Please note the project title and lead supervisor in the respective fields on the application form
• Your application must include: A personal statement, an up-to-date copy of your academic CV, and clear copies of your educational certificates and transcripts.
• You DO NOT need to provide a research proposal with this application
• Applications for this project will be shared with external funders of this PhD Studentship, and any external members of the supervisory team

Funding

This studentship, funded by the United States Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), covers tuition at the Home/UK rate of fees, a research budget for conferences, and a stipend of £19,237 (2024/2025). It is open to students worldwide. Full funding is available for Home/UK fee-eligible students, including those with settled or pre-settled UK status. US nationals receive an international fee waiver from the School of Natural and Computing Sciences. Other international applicants must cover the difference between Home/UK and international fees, approximately £22,300 annually.

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