Investigating the Impact of Hydrogen Flame Impingement on Jet Engine Combustor Materials

About the project

About the Project Aviation is one of the most carbon-intensive forms of transport and realising hydrogen-powered jet engines is seen as the most viable solution to completely decarbonise long-haul aircraft. Using hydrogen as aviation fuel does not produce CO2 from combustion, with water vapour and small (controlled) NOx traces being the main by-products. However, hydrogen is known to cause a range of deleterious effects in structural materials that can lead to dramatic reduction in a component’s lifetime. Understanding the long-term impact of the new hydrogen-rich environments on aeroengine alloys is therefore critical to enable the safe deployment of hydrogen-powered technologies. This PhD project will run in collaboration with Rolls-Royce and is aimed at exploring the interaction of hydrogen and high temperature Ni-based superalloys in hydrogen-rich combustion environments. The research will address the mechanisms of hydrogen dissociation, diffusion and microstructure interactions in combustor and turbine alloys that could lead to material damage and sudden failure. The research will also include investigation into the role of oxides, stress and barrier coatings on the rate of hydrogen ingress and its resultant effects on the mechanical properties. The research will involve undertaking various experimental activities including: Material exposure to hydrogen flames (flame charging) using a state-of-the-art combustion rig, including additional factors like coatings and mechanical loadings; Thermal Desorption Spectroscopy to measure hydrogen within flame-charged materials and understand the role and mechanisms of hydrogen diffusion; Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and advanced techniques including, EBSD, EDS and in-situ tensile testing, to evaluate oxide structure and chemistry, microstructural changes, localised deformation and fracture; and Mechanical testing to assess loss of ductility/damage in H-containing materials against H-free counterparts. The project will also offer the possibility to conduct targeted modelling work to support the experimental findings. The outcomes of the project will support Rolls-Royce on their strategy for alloy selection, lifing and component design for hydrogen. We offer a unique opportunity to collaborate with a highly interdisciplinary team of academics and industrialists working on developing Hydrogen-powered jet engines. The successful candidate will also benefit from access to industry experts in hydrogen, combustion and high-temperature materials. The student will be encouraged to attend international conferences and publish high-impact papers to disseminate the outcomes of the project. The student is also expected to attend annual student conferences and symposia organised by Rolls-Royce. Person specification Applicants should have (or expected to be awarded) an upper second or first class UK honours degree at the level of MSci or MEng (or overseas equivalents) in a relevant Engineering or Science subject, including Materials Science, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Applied Mathematics or related disciplines. Fluency and clarity in spoken English as well as good written English in accordance with UCL English requirements (TOEFL>92 or IELTS>6.5). Eligibility This studentship is open to those with Home and International fee status (including EU); however, the number of students with International fee status which can be recruited is capped according to the EPSRC terms and conditions so competition for International places is particularly strong. Please refer to our website for further information about tuition fee status . Applicants whose first language is not English are required to meet UCL's English language entry requirements . Please refer to this webpage for full eligibility criteria: Mechanical Engineering MPhil/PhD How to apply Step 1: submit a PhD application via the UCL website Step 2: Email the lead project supervisor, Dr Enrique Galindo-Nava ( e.galindo-nava@ucl.ac.uk ) and enclose the following documents: A one-page statement outlining your motivation and suitability for the project A two-page CV A copy of your university transcripts The supervisory team will arrange interviews for short-listed candidates.

Research areas