Doctoral student in Physics with focus on Combustion Physics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Research, research group and project

At the division for Combustion Physics research and education in the areas of combustion diagnostics as well as chemical calculations of combustion phenomena are performed.

The research group within which the doctoral student will work focuses on the development of computationally effective reduced chemical kinetics mechanisms. These chemical mechanisms must be chemically correct but at the same time computationally efficient, and balancing that becomes a significant challenge. This work is multidisciplinary in the borderland between chemistry, physics and technical physics, and include collaboration with several research groups and industries.

Together with colleagues at the Department of Energy Sciences, LTH, the chemical mechanisms are implemented in CFD simulations, using which the understanding of combustion processes must be significantly improved.

At present, biofuel is used as a drop-in in fossil kerosene, but there is not yet any commercially available stand-alone biofuels for the aviation sector. In the project "Combustion properties of aviation biofuel from biomass" we want//88 to contribute to knowledge that enables a completely renewable energy system for aviation.

Aviation biofuel is very different from biofuels like alcohols, ethers and esters (biodiesel) since it is completely oxygen free. The molecular structure strongly resembles that of fossil kerosene, but there are important differences in composition can propose a significant problem for use in aviation jet engines since the performance will vary depending on composition. In the current situation where the biofuels are only used as drop-in fuels in fossil kerosene it is managea-ble, but a transfer to stand-alone aviation biofuel is not possible with this varied composition. For development of a dependable stand-alone fuel it is important to “chemically design” the fuel such that molecular groups are carefully balanced to match the different properties necessary for aviation fuel.

The overall aim of the project is to create knowledge and understanding of how aviation biofuels of different chemical composition are combusted in a jet engine. This paves the way for biofuels that can be used as stand-alone fuels in aviation. The focus is on fuels produced from cellulose-based raw material from Swedish forestry and agriculture. Specific goals are to develop chemical models that describe the fuel-specific combustion process, and the use of these models in computer simulations of jet engines.

The PhD project will include development of chemical kinetic mechanisms for combustion of several potential aviation biofuels, in close collaboraton with the CFD group at division of Energy Sciences, who will aid in implementation of the results in CFD simulations.

Work duties

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can 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 programmes 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.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Assessment criteria

Selection to 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 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.

Other assessment criteria

• Background in chemistry or in physics with documented knowledge in chemistry.
• Collaborative skills and an ability to communicate with researchers in other research fields.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

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, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

Applicants are required to answer the job specific questions in the first step of the application process.