PhD in Physics

Hydrogen fuel technologies for power and propulsion at University College London. Background: Energy policies are increasingly focused on decarbonising the propulsion and power sectors, driven by growing awareness of the detrimental environmental and health impacts of fossil fuel pollutants, particularly in urban areas. Hydrogen offers significant potential as a next-generation, zero-carbon energy carrier, with hydrogen gas turbines capable of meeting the power and weight demands of both land-based power generation and aero-propulsion. However, realising the full potential of hydrogen combustion in gas turbines faces significant scientific challenges, such as flame instability and flashback, which need to be addressed through robust research. Aim: This studentship is associated with a UKRI-funded research project focused on developing innovative fuel technologies aimed at derisking hydrogen utilisation in energy systems. The research will employ advanced diagnostic tools and methods, under industrially relevant pressure and temperature conditions, to optimise hydrogen injection and air mixing strategies, identify operating conditions that produce desirable lean hydrogen flames with minimized emissions, and enhance combustion stability. This work will address key knowledge gaps in fundamental hydrogen combustion and establish operating regimes for high-efficiency, near-zero emission operation in practical hydrogen combustion systems. The selected candidate will be embedded within a team of specialist researchers at UCL Mechanical Engineering and will regularly liaise with other academic and industrial partners associated with this project. The position will also offer opportunities to engage in teaching assistant activities, and work with researchers and engineers in the Energy and Environment group. As a PhD student at UCL, the candidate will benefit from training in high-impact research and high-performance computing, and access to state-of-the-art experimental laboratories. Furthermore, the candidate will be encouraged to publish work in leading journals and present findings in national/international conferences.