PhD Studentship: AI-assisted modelling of accidental explosion events (AE0048_v2)

Start date: As soon as possible

Introduction

Applications are invited for a Ph.D. studentship in the Departments of Aeronautics. The research project will be supervised by Dr V.L. Tagarielli and Prof F. Montomoli and it will involve collaboration with Baker Hughes (Florence, Italy) and the Brahmal Vasudevan Institute for Sustainable Aviation.

Objectives

The project’s objective is to develop computational methods to simulate the coupled fluid-structure response in accidental explosive events, in particular those associated with the adoption of hydrogen as a clean fuel. Simulations will capture the turbulent combustion of flammable mixtures in air, the possible transition from deflagration to detonation, impact events, and the non-linear deformation response of the surrounding structural elements. Existing and new machine learning algorithms will be applied to this problem, with the objective of reducing computational costs, enabling realistic simulations of the large and geometrically complex domains typically encountered in industrial operations. We envisage coupling CFD simulations in OpenFOAM with FEM analyses in Abaqus or similar software.

Supervisors: Dr V.L. Tagarielli and Prof F. Montomoli

Duration: 3.5 years

Funding

Full coverage of tuition fees and an annual maintenance tax-free stipend of £21,237 for both home and overseas students. Information on fee status can be found at https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/tuition-fees/fee-status/

Eligibility

The ideal applicant is a fresh graduate in engineering or in a closely related discipline, with a track record of achievements at the top of their cohorts. Academic excellence will be the primary selection criterion. However, experience with theoretical and computational fluid or structural mechanics, numerical methods, computing, and machine learning will be advantageous. The project might include an experimental component.

How to apply: Please submit your online application by clicking the 'Apply' button, above.

When submitting your application, you will need to use the following details:

• Search course/Programme:“Aeronautics Research (PhD)”
• Research Topic:Please use reference number AE0048_V2
• Research Supervisor: Dr V.L. Tagarielli and Prof F. Montomoli
• Research Group:Aero

For queries regarding the application process, please contact Lisa Kelly: l.kelly@imperial.ac.uk

Application deadline: New applications will be collected until a suitable pool of candidates is identified; it is therefore important to apply as soon as possible.

For further information: For questions about the project, please email: 

v.tagarielli@imperial.ac.uk

You can also learn more about Imperial at www.imperial.ac.uk/study/pg.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: Imperial is committed to equality and valuing diversity. We are an Athena SWAN Silver Award winner, a Stonewall Diversity Champion, a Disability Confident Employer and are working in partnership with GIRES to promote respect for trans people.

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