Doctoral student in Physics with a focus on fuel nitrogen combustion chemistry in flames - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Division for Combustion Physics has an emphasis on the development of laser spectroscopic techniques, applied to combustion processes, gasification, catalysis, nanometer structures, and plasma production. Another important research area is the modelling of chemical processes; these studies are often performed in collaboration with the experimental groups. The division has large contact areas within the Lund University of Technology, with other universities and colleges, nationally and internationally, as well as with industry. The division has been active since 2001 in modern premises in the Enoch Thulin laboratory at the Department of Physics and currently close to 60 people work at the unit.

Work duties
Ammonia (NH3) can be an alternative to replace fossil fuels in various combustion devices, including internal combustion engines, gas turbines, and space propulsion systems. The advantages and disadvantages of using ammonia for energy production have been well documented. Shortly, ammonia is considered as safe “hydrogen-carrier” more cost-effective to handle and transport compared to hydrogen gas and it can be produced from renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, biomass, and waste. The challenge of ammonia combustion is the low flame speed and difficulty of ignition of NH3/air mixture. Moreover, the combustion of NH3 produces high amounts of nitrogen oxides (NOx), especially under lean conditions. Other nitrogen-containing species could be also formed in the combustion of biomass, such as wood. During combustion, they can produce significant amounts of NOx, which is dangerous pollutants.

The primary goal of the proposed project is to investigate the detailed chemistry of the combustion of ammonia and different types of fuel-nitrogen species focusing on the formation and abatement of different pollutants that could potentially be formed. The motivation for this is the development of a long-term solution for sustainable and environmentally friendly energy production.

The work program includes experimental research, development of kinetic models, and modelling. The following experiments are envisaged: measurement of the burning velocities of the pertinent fuels, analysis of the pollutants formed using probe sampling, and/or laser diagnostics. Detailed structures and dynamics of ammonia flames will be studied for a range of fuel compositions, equivalence ratios, initial pressures and temperatures, and addition of H2. New kinetic models will be developed and validated using the results of this project and literature data.

The main part of the work will be conducted at the Division of Combustion Physics in Lund, where experimental setups are available. Collaboration with universities in the Netherlands and Great Britain will make other types of experimental setups available. The studies to be performed are financially supported by the KAW and will consolidate Swedish research within the field of combustion of alternative and biofuels.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which include participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Admission requirements
A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programs if he or she:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third-cycle studies in Physics if he or she has:

• at least 30 second-cycle credits of relevance to the subject, of which at least 15 credits shall comprise a second-cycle degree project, or
• an MSc in engineering physics or an associated field, or a Master’s degree in physics or an associated field.

Finally, the student must be judged to have the potential to complete the program.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Other assessment criteria

• Educational background with courses in both physics and chemistry.
• Experience in working with simulations of physical or chemical systems.

Basis of assessment
Selection of postgraduate studies is based on the expected ability to perform well in the studies. The evaluation of the ability to perform well is based primarily on the results of studies at the basic and advanced levels, in particular:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of the study.
2. An assessment of the ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills.
4. Other experience relevant to postgraduate studies, such as professional experience.

Consideration will also be given to how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle program. The candidate needs to be self-going and inventive, have good collaborative skills, drive and independence, be ready to face the challenges in this research field and have the ability to communicate and collaborate with researchers in other research fields.

Terms of employment
Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, a copy of the thesis or equivalent or a summary in case the work is not completed and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

The English version of this announcement is an interpretation of national formalities expressed in the Swedish text. In case of uncertainties, the Swedish text applies.