PhD Studentship: The Development of a Novel Water Storage Cylinder for Domestic Sanitary Hot Water

Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship in the Institute for Engineering, Technology and Innovation (InETI). The studentship is funded through the school and be part of the UCLan Doctoral Training Centre for Industry Collaboration and is tenable for up to 3.5 years full time [subject to satisfactory progress]. Both Home and EU/International applicants may apply but EU/International applicants will be required to pay the difference in tuition fees between the UK and EU/International fee rates. The studentship will provide successful applicants with an annual stipend in line with UKRI rates (2024/25 rate £19237 per year) subject to satisfactory progress.

It is expected the successful applicant will commence September 2024. 

Project Description:

A PhD studentship is available for a highly motivated and talented individual to join our department at the University of Central Lancashire in the field of Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering. The successful candidate will be supervised by Dr Ahmad W Al Shaer and will be part of an interdisciplinary research group.

This project is in collaboration with BDR Thermea (Baxi Heating), world leaders in sustainable energy carriers.

The main objective is to develop an alternative cylinder to the current Stainless Steel cylinders, which are widely used in hot water storage industry.

While stainless steel has been used and tested for a long time, our industrial partner is interested in exploring the usage of innovative materials that could provide comparable performance and reliability levels but at a reduced manufacturing cost. Sustainability is an important value for us, so the type of material, its construction and recycling must be investigated.

The project will investigate various types of novel materials to be used in unvented cylindrical vessels with moderate volume. The proposed materials will be tested in a heated and pressurised environment and the materials' performance will be evaluated in terms of strength, degradation, structural integrity, safety etc. The prototypes will be tested in accordance with BS EN-12897 Unvented Storage Cylinder Vessels and BS EN-60335 Household Electrical Appliances standards before the actual cylinders are designed and produced. Additionally, you will be expected to conduct computational fluid dynamics simulations to understand the system’s behaviour under pressure and high temperature, and to inform material selection and design processes. This PhD project is ideal for those looking for gaining substantial industrial experience while acquiring deep understanding of materials science and manufacturing processes used in production.

Further information

Informal project related enquiries can be sent to Dr Ahmad W Al Shaer (AWALShaer@uclan.ac.uk).

For the full details go to: https://www.uclan.ac.uk/research/research-degrees/studentships

Applications should be completed on our online application system, selecting the following options:

• Type of Study – Research Degree (Postgraduate)
• Course - Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy
• Campus – Preston Campus
• Mode of Study – Full Time

Please quote the Studentship reference number DTC12-22-19 on the online application form.

Closing Date: 12^th April 2024

Proposed Interview Date: TBC

Expected Start Date: 23^rd September 2024

CURRENT UCLAN RESEARCH STUDENTS WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR THIS RESEARCH STUDENTSHIP

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