PhD: Optimising Surfaces and Lubricant Combinations in Sustainable Hydrogen and Hydrogen Mix Combustion Engines

As the world pushes towards the end of conventional petrol and diesel engines in on and off highway applications, there is a push towards hydrogen combustion, particularly in larger vehicles. (off-highway excavators, military vehicles and trucks >7 tonnes.) Hydrogen combustion, however, poses a number of challenges in the effects of hydrogen on surfaces within the engine (material changes, embrittlement etc.) and the lack of lubricity of the hydrogen across all facets of the engine systems from fuel pumps, injectors, cam/tappet, cylinder/piston and other bearing interactions.

This PhD research project will investigate the suitability of coating materials and corresponding lubricant combinations under such conditions, exploring the physical interactions produced in such highly challenging situations.

Supported by an experienced and dedicated supervisory team, this PhD research project will use a combined experimental and state of the art numerical prediction approach, investigating the effects of hydrogen fuelling on the component/lubricant systems to develop the design of next-generation systems.

The researcher will benefit from world-class research training at Loughborough University, enabling them to gain high level technical skills in areas such as tribology, high performance coatings and fluid film lubrication. The group has extensive links with industrial partners in automotive, truck and agricultural vehicle industries, as well as in motorsport. There will also be opportunities to attend international conferences and interact with leading industries within the field.

In the first instance to discuss the research and gain further insight and support about the application process please contact P.D.King@lboro.ac.uk or ws.phdadmin@lboro.ac.uk for more information.

Is the project University funded or self-funded?: University funded

Funding eligibility: Competition funded project (students worldwide)

Who is eligible to apply?: Both UK and International

Full-time/part-time availability: Full-time (3 years)

Closing Date: 18th September 2022

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