EPSRC - Cryogenic Fuel Pump Motors for Aerospace

About the project

About the Project The project is an exciting opportunity to undertake industrially linked research in partnership with Rolls-Royce (RR) at the RR University Technology Centre (UTC) in Electrical Systems at the University of Manchester. The UTC researches a wide range of underpinning electrical technologies for applications in future gas-turbine engines, and on-board power systems for aircraft and ships. The increasing capacity and complexity of the electrical systems in these applications is creating a range of challenges at equipment and system levels, such as reducing weight, operating in extreme environments, ensuring fault tolerance, optimising system operation and minimising energy use. These challenges drive the UTC’s activities. The University of Manchester's Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering has ~95 academic staff, split across a number of research groups and is one of the largest departments of this type in the country, with a particular strength in power engineering. Project details The aviation sector is undergoing a once-in-a-generation transformation towards cleaner, more sustainable flight. Cryogenically cooled electrical machines are of significant interest for the future of air transportation as they potentially offer significant power density and efficiency benefits for cryo-fuelled aircraft. This PhD combines industrial and academic expertise to help to develop next-generation electrical machines and actuation systems operating at cryogenic temperatures. Maturing electrical actuation for liquid cryo-fuel pump technologies requires detailed electrical, electromagnetic and microstructural characterisation of constituent electric pump materials (electric steels, magnets, insulation materials etc) under cryogenic operating conditions. Key objectives are to provide the reliable material properties data to hence facilitate a more reliable and application-ready cryo-fuel pump design. The material characterisation research will be carried out using EBSD and TEM to investigate phase stability, grain structure, and potential cryogenic-induced microstructural evolution, while Tensile testing will be performed to evaluate the mechanical behaviour of the mateirals at low temperatures. These will be used to design a prototype aerospace cryo-fuel pump motor in collaboration with Rolls-Royce. The work will include detailed constituent material property characterisation in representative cryogenic conditions at the Manchester experimental facilities. The work will also include electromagnetic and thermal design, modelling and performance analysis of a suitable cryo-fuel pump topology informed by results of material characterisation tests and with a view to delivering a next generation, matured cryo-pump design concept. Based in the Rolls-Royce UTC in Electrical Systems at the Power Conversion Group at University of Manchester, you will be responsible for undertaking the relevant computer based and laboratory based research under the guidance of Dr Djurovic and his colleagues and in collaboration with relevant Rolls- Royce staff. Requirements We are particularly interested in students with a strong understanding of electromagnetics, electrical machines and drives or materials operating in wide temperature ranges. A strong interest in electrical transportation systems including cryogenic electrical propulsion and material behaviour is also desirable. Additional knowledge on electrical machine modelling including finite element analysis and/or laboratory experimentation with electric machinery is welcome, but not a requirement. Starting date of the PhD is flexible, but ideally we are looking for someone to start as soon as possible. If you’re excited by the prospect of combining cutting-edge research, industry collaboration, and real-world impact, this PhD offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the future of sustainable flight collaborating with a leading aerospace company. Eligibility Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s in a relevant science or engineering related discipline. A background in electrical machines and drives is highly desirable. Only home candidates are eligible for this call. Before you apply We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project. How to apply Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425 When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered. After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents: Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress CV Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it). Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference) If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk . Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact. We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status. We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder). featuredproject12July26

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