PhD Studentship: PhD in High Pressure Flow Boiling in Water Based Nuclear Reactors

This exciting project aims to experimentally and theoretically investigate the fundamental nucleation and heat transfer mechanisms in high-pressure flow boiling, in particular Critical Heat Flux (CHF) phenomena – the prediction of which is key to safely designing and operating water based nuclear reactors. Current industrial modelling tools necessitate excessively conservative safety margins, primarily due to validation gaps in high-pressure boiling phenomena and the lack of high-fidelity experimental data.

Building on recent advances in non-intrusive, high-resolution optical diagnostics, this project will establish a state-of-the-art high-pressure flow boiling facility to capture and quantify the key processes that govern nucleation and boiling heat transfer. A range of experimental setups will be explored to balance the trade-off between measurement accessibility and the faithful representation of industrial conditions.

The successful applicant will be expected to be an integral part of an industry-collaborative research team. Key objectives of the research will include:

1. Upgrade of an existing flow boiling rig to enable high-fidelity, high-resolution measurements under elevated pressure and heat flux.
2. Design, modify, and test novel heating surfaces that more accurately replicate industrial conditions.
3. Develop advanced post-processing methods to extract key local quantities associated with nucleation and boiling dynamics.
4. Identify and quantify dominant heat transfer mechanisms across different regimes, with a particular emphasis on the conditions leading to CHF.

Entry requirements:

Applicants should hold, or expect to achieve, a first-class or high upper second-class (2:1) honours degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related discipline. A relevant master’s degree or prior research experience in experimental and/or analytical multiphase thermofluids systems would be advantageous but not essential.

English language requirements:

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

Funding information:

This PhD project is jointly funded by EPSRC (via the Industrial Doctoral Landscape Awards) and Rolls-Royce. The studentship is for 4 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £22,027 for the first year, increasing by a minimum of £1,300 annually, plus tuition fees at the UK rate. International students are welcome to apply and a strong candidate may secure a fee waiver for the difference between UK and international tuition fees. The successful candidate will also benefit from a minimum 3-months’ worth of research placement at Rolls-Royce and receive joint supervision from a leading expert in Rolls-Royce throughout the project.

How to Apply:

All applications should be made online. Under ‘Campus’, please select ‘Loughborough’ and select the ‘Programme’ as ‘Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering’. Please quote the advertised reference number ‘FP-HZ-2025’ in your application under the ‘Finance’ section.

Applications must include a personal statement, up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV), details of two referees (one from your highest degree qualification), certified certificates and transcripts for all completed degree programmes, and a reference to the project ‘FP-HZ-2025’. Submission of a research proposal is not essential but may strengthen your application. The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application.

Incomplete applications received after the closing date may not be considered for interview. Early application is strongly encouraged as we reserve the right to interview and withdraw the advert ahead of the closing date.

You are encouraged to contact the project supervisor, Dr Huayong Zhao, to discuss your suitability and interest for the project.

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