PhD Studentship: Evaluation of Pre-ignition Risks Induced by Lubricating Oils in Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engines

This research focuses on a critical challenge: understanding and mitigating hydrogen pre-ignition risks caused by lubricating oils under demanding engine conditions.

Hydrogen is a clean, zero-carbon fuel, but its high reactivity makes it vulnerable to pre-ignition. The presence of lubricating oil droplets can worsen this risk by evaporating, altering chemical pathways, and producing nanoscale soot particles that may trigger early ignition. These phenomena can compromise engine safety, performance, and durability.

In this project, you will explore how different oil formulations and engine parameters affect ignition behaviour. You’ll use advanced tools such as chemical kinetic modelling, multi-dimensional CFD simulations, and collaborate closely with experimental researchers.

You will receive specialist training through the EnerHy CDT and be based at the Caterpillar Innovation & Research Centre at Loughborough University. You’ll also gain hands-on experience at Caterpillar’s Peterborough site, working alongside a global team driving the hydrogen transition in off-highway applications.

Primary supervisor Dr Lu Tian is happy to discuss this opportunity via email at L.Tian@lboro.ac.uk.

Name of primary supervisor: Dr Lu Tian

Name(s) of secondary supervisor: Professor Adrian Spencer

Entry requirements:

Subject requirements: First-class or upper second-class degree (or equivalent) in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Automotive Engineering or other relevant Engineering and Science subjects, or relevant industrial experience.

English language requirements:

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.

Funding information:

The studentship is for 4 years full-time and provides a tax-free stipend of £20,780 per annum including tuition fees at the UK rate.

Excellent International candidates are eligible for a full international fee waiver however due to UKRI funding rules, no more than 30% of the studentships funded by this grant can be awarded to International candidates.

How to Apply:

All applications should be made online via the above ‘Apply’ button. Under ‘campus’ please select *Loughborough* and select the programme ‘CDT Engineering Hydrogen Net Zero’. Please quote the advertised reference number *LU-EnerHy-2025-3* under the ‘Finance’ section of the application.

To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents, including a copy of your passport. The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application. 

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