PhD Studentship: Cryogenic Fuel Pump Motors for Aerospace

Theme: Aerospace electrification: cryogenic pump motors 

This 3.5-year PhD project is fully funded and only home candidates are eligible. The successful candidate will receive an annual stipend of ~£25,518 p.a. and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase yearly.

We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.

The project is an exciting opportunity to undertake industrially linked research in partnership with Rolls-Royce (RR) at the RR University Technology Centre (UTC) in Electrical Systems at the University of Manchester(UoM). The UTC researches a wide range of underpinning electrical technologies for applications in future gas-turbine engines, and on-board power systems for aircraft and ships. The UoM's Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering has ~95 academic staff, split across a number of research groups and is one of the largest departments of this type in the country, with a particular strength in power engineering.

The aviation sector is undergoing a once-in-a-generation transformation towards cleaner, more sustainable flight. Cryogenically cooled electrical machines are of significant interest for the future of air transportation as they potentially offer significant power density and efficiency benefits for cryo-fuelled aircraft. This PhD combines industrial and academic expertise to help to develop next-generation electrical machines and actuation systems operating at cryogenic temperatures.
Maturing electrical actuation for liquid cryo-fuel pump technologies requires detailed electrical, electromagnetic and microstructural characterisation of constituent electric pump materials (electric steels, magnets, insulation materials etc) under cryogenic operating conditions. Key objectives are to provide the reliable material properties data to hence facilitate a more reliable and application-ready cryo-fuel pump design.

The work will include detailed constituent material property characterisation in representative cryogenic conditions at UoM experimental facilities: using EBSD and TEM to investigate phase stability, grain structure, and potential cryogenic-induced microstructural evolution, and Tensile testing to evaluate the mechanical behaviour. The work will also include electromagnetic&thermal design, modelling and performance analysis of a suitable cryo-fuel pump topology informed by results of material characterisation tests with a view to delivering a next generation, matured cryo-pump design concept.

Based in the UoM Rolls-Royce UTC in Electrical Systems, you will be responsible for undertaking the relevant computer and laboratory based research under the guidance of Dr Djurovic and his colleagues and in collaboration with Rolls- Royce staff.

We are particularly interested in students with a strong understanding of electromagnetics, electrical machines and drives or materials operating in wide temperature ranges. A strong interest in electrical transportation systems including cryogenic electrical propulsion and material behaviour is also desirable. Additional knowledge on electrical machine modelling including finite element analysis and/or laboratory experimentation with electric machinery is welcome.

We are looking for someone to start as soon as possible. If you’re excited by the prospect of combining cutting-edge research, industry collaboration, and real-world impact, this PhD offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the future of sustainable flight collaborating with a leading aerospace company.

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s in a relevant science or engineering related discipline. A background in electrical machines and drives is highly desirable.

To apply, please contact the main supervisor, Dr Durovic - sinisa.durovic@manchester.ac.uk. Include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

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