CASE Studentship (4-Years): Rapid Prototyping Flows for System Optimisation

Applications are invited for a four-year industry-sponsored CASE PhD studentship to research methods of modifying flow features for boundary condition optimisation within off-highway machinery systems. The project will be a part of the Caterpillar Innovation and Research Centre at Loughborough University.

Off-highway powertrain systems contain components and sub-systems which are sensitive to their input flow – or boundary – conditions. As part of a system, these components will often receive flow and sub-optimum conditions which may affect their performance, reliability and robustness. Further improving the efficiency of components is increasingly important with the next generation of off-highway machinery which will need to be capable of using alternative fuels and often electric hybridisation whilst continuing to improve component and system efficiency in order to achieve the ambition of net zero.

The doctoral research will experimentally investigate flow conditions within appropriate off-highway systems using advanced optical diagnostic techniques and a Refractive Index Matching flow rig to characterise flow features. This understanding will then be used to develop a method for optimising and designing flow features before testing these on powertrain hardware.

As part of the applied aerodynamics group, they will have access to optical techniques such as stereo and tomographic PIV systems as well as high-performance computing and CFD simulation packages. They will work alongside the industrial sponsor as part of the Caterpillar Innovation and Research centre throughout the four years and will spend a minimum of three months on-site. It is expected that throughout the project the researcher will present work both to the industrial sponsor and also at international academic conferences.

Funding

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. University fees and charges can be paid in advance and there are several methods of payment, including online payments and payment by instalment. Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.

Funding is available for four years and provides tuition fees at the UK rate plus an enhanced tax-free stipend of £20,668 per annum (subject to annual increase in-line with UKRI standard stipend rate). The project is funded by EPSRC and an industrial sponsor via a CASE award. Note, due to funding restrictions, the studentship is only available to UK applicants. In order to qualify for UK fees, you must meet the EPSRC eligibility criteria including the minimum UK residency requirement.

Please note that studentships will be awarded on a competitive basis to applicants who have applied to this project and other advertised projects within the School. Funding decisions will not be confirmed until 17th March 2023.

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