Fully Funded EPSRC and Rolls Royce PhD Scholarship: Mechanical Testing of Aerospace Alloys for Hydrogen Powered Gas Turbines

Funding providers: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Rolls Royce 

Subject areas: Materials Science & Engineering; Additive Manufacturing 

Project start date: 1 October 2023 

Project description:  

Although sustainable aviation fuels are recognised as the more mature technology, Rolls-Royce are investigating the feasibility of hydrogen-burning gas turbine engines, due to the large potential gains in carbon reduction that may be possible in the medium term.

The aim of the Swansea University contribution to the project is to generate mechanical property data under hydrogen environments to support development of gas turbines capable of running on gaseous and liquid hydrogen. This will require contribution to two specific areas from Swansea University, namely:

1. Understanding of material behaviour at cryogenic temperatures to support a pathway towards LH2 gas turbines.
2. Analysis of the effect of gaseous hydrogen environments on materials behaviour.

Work to understand cryogenic behaviour will begin initially through the use of liquid nitrogen, to provide an indication of materials properties. Testing under gaseous hydrogen will explore in situ testing against the possible effectiveness of pre-charging. Using both methods it is anticipated that the effect of temperature will be considered while testing under atmospheric pressure. The experience gained through these approaches will then further inform potential future developments and materials characterisation methods.

Eligibility

Candidates must normally hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline. 

English Language requirements: If applicable – IELTS 6.5 overall (with at least 5.5 in each individual component) or Swansea recognised equivalent. 

This scholarship is open to candidates of any nationality. 

EPSRC DTP studentships are available to home and international students. Up to 30% of our cohort can comprise international students, once the limit has been reached, we are unable to make offers to international students.

We are still accepting applications from international applicants. 

Funding Details

This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend at UKRI rate (currently £17,668 for 2022/23).

Additional research expenses will also be available.

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