Funding

Self-funded

Project code

SEM10680529

Department

School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering

Start dates

October, February and April

Application deadline

Applications accepted all year round

Applications are invited for a self-funded, 3 year full-time or 6 year part-time PhD project. 

The PhD will be based in the School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering and will be supervised by James Bull and Dr James Buick.

 

 

 

The work on this project will include:

  • Development of high-fidelity CFD models for turbomachinery flows, including loss mechanisms and unsteady effects
  • Application of optimisation techniques to turbomachinery operational parameters
  • Investigation of working fluid performance across a range of settings
  • Strong alignment with industrial challenges and opportunities for collaboration
  • Contribution to improved efficiency and environmental performance of turbomachinery systems

 

Turbomachinery plays a critical role in modern energy, aerospace, and industrial systems, including gas turbines, expanders, compressors, pumps, and turbochargers. Improving the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of these machines is essential to meeting global demands for reduced energy consumption, lower emissions, and enhanced system performance. Despite significant recent advances, turbomachinery components still face complex challenges related to unsteady flow behaviour, efficiency losses, and multi-physics interactions. This PhD project aims to develop advanced modelling and optimisation frameworks for turbomachinery components, focusing on improving performance while accounting for realistic operational constraints and a range of different working fluids. The research will integrate high-fidelity numerical modelling and optimisation to enable efficient and robust component design. The project will contribute to both fundamental understanding and applied engineering practice by proposing novel optimisation settings. The outcomes are expected to support the design of next-generation turbomachinery systems aligned with low-carbon energy and advanced technologies.

 

The overarching aim of this PhD is to develop and apply advanced modelling and optimisation techniques for turbomachinery components to enhance performance across a range of applications. The specific objectives are to:

  • Develop validated CFD models for selected turbomachinery components (e.g. expanders).
  • Identify key performance sensitivities under varying operating conditions.
  • Implement multi-objective optimisation strategies targeting efficiency, pressure ratio, and flow stability.
  • Evaluate the impact of working fluid properties on optimal design settings.

 

Fees and funding

Visit the research subject area page for fees and funding information for this project.

Funding availability: Self-funded PhD students only. 

PhD full-time and part-time courses are eligible for the UK Government Doctoral Loan (UK and EU students only - eligibility criteria apply).

 

Bench fees

Some PhD projects may include additional fees – known as bench fees – for equipment and other consumables, and these will be added to your standard tuition fee. Speak to the supervisory team during your interview about any additional fees you may have to pay. Please note, bench fees are not eligible for discounts and are non-refundable.

Entry requirements

You'll need a good first degree from an internationally recognised university (minimum upper second class or equivalent, depending on your chosen course) or a master’s degree in an appropriate subject. In exceptional cases, we may consider equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications. 

English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.

International students will require a study visa from UKVI to pursue the degree in the UK. If the research is in a sensitive or technological subject, the student may also need to secure an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate from the UK Foreign Office.

 

Experience in CFD modelling is essential.

How to apply

We’d encourage you to contact James Bull ([email protected]) to discuss your interest before you apply, quoting the project code.

 

When you are ready to apply, please follow the 'Apply now' link on the Energy Engineering PhD subject area page and select the link for the relevant intake. Make sure you submit a personal statement, proof of your degrees and grades, details of two referees, proof of your English language proficiency and an up-to-date CV.  Our ‘How to Apply’ page offers further guidance on the PhD application process.

If you want to be considered for this self-funded PhD opportunity you must quote project code SEM10680529 when applying.