This PhD is one of a number of projects hosted by the Centre for Doctoral Training in Green Industrial Futures (CDT-GIF). We are offering pioneering research projects that will enable PhD researchers to explore key technologies and solutions that will support UK industry to reach net zero.

Project: Background: accurate thermophysical properties of hydrogen and of various hydrogen-rich mixtures are essential for engineering tasks such as process design and fiscal flow metering. While other gaseous systems (such as natural gas) have been well studied, hydrogen and its mixtures with other gases are less well understood. There exists major gaps in the literature concerning experimental data for these properties and hence the available models are not properly validated. The project aims to address these issues.

Objective: Determine a consistent set of experimentally-validated models for predicting the thermodynamic and transport properties of hydrogen-rich mixtures under the conditions encountered in hydrogen production, transportation and storage.

Methodology: New experimental measurements will be combined with data available in the literature and used to enhance and/or validate at least one thermodynamic model and a set of well-founded transport-property models. Strong emphasis will be placed on new experimental measurement of the speed of sound to fill key gaps in the literature; these will require innovations in measurement science. Additional measurements of viscosity and thermal conductivity will also be made using state-of-the-art bespoke equipment: a vibrating-wire viscometer and a transient-hot-wire thermal conductivity cell. The modelling work is expected to be based mainly on multi-parameter equations of state coupled with the residual-entropy model for transport properties.

Lead supervisor/s: Prof Martin Trusler https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/m.trusler

Project partner: Yes, to be finalised.

CDT in Green Industrial Futures: The CDT is funded by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and is a partnership between Heriot Watt University, Imperial College London, and the Universities of Sheffield and Bath. The CDT is further supported by contributions from industrial partners. Bringing these leading universities together allows CDT-GIF students access to a wide range of academic expertise, resources and facilities.

The CDT-GIF has an exciting and challenging programme specifically designed for top performing junior researchers. Alongside the four-year research project, students will receive expert training and opportunities to contextualise their research within the wider net zero landscape, including:

• Residential taught courses at each of the partner universities in Years 1 and 2 that provide training in the systematic considerations for industry including: Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), technoeconomics, business models, policy & regulation, public engagement, plant operation.
• An international opportunity in Year 2 or 3 of the programme, including opportunities to visit a world-leading facility, conference or forum and explore the global context of industrial decarbonisation.
• A work placement with one of our industrial partners.
• A bespoke ‘net-zero leadership programme’, including regular exchanges with cohort members from the other universities, student-led activities, industry challenge sandpit, industrial site visits, and professional development opportunities.

Candidate requirements: As a minimum we require candidates to have a First-class or 2:1 Meng, MSc, or MA with merit (over 60%) in a relevant area i.e. Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Chemistry. Applicants who have a First-class BSc/BEng (Hons) and can demonstrate significant relevant industry/research experience may also be considered.

Candidates should be aware of and meet any additional entry requirements for the university hosting the PhD studentship.

Non-native English speakers must ensure they meet the English language requirements .

Enquiries and applications. Informal enquiries regarding the research project can be directed to the supervisor. Alternatively, if you have a question regarding the wider CDT-GIF programme, please contact [email protected] .

Formal applications can be made here: https://greenindustrialfutures.site.hw.ac.uk/the-programme/how-to-apply/ Applications are open until filled so we would encourage early application.

The initial application involves an application form (including a short personal statement and CV). You may select up to two CDT-GIF projects. Applicants will then be selected to interview. If successful at interview, candidates will be asked to complete the application process for the home university.

Funding notes. The programme is four years and starts in Oct 2024. Funding includes full UK fees, stipend (2024/25 stipend is £19,237 excluding London weighting), plus budget for travel and consumables. The positions are in the first instance for UK students. There are limited spaces for overseas students.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion . We warmly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Our programme values diversity as a cornerstone of innovation and collaboration, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to thrive. The CDT-GIF are committed to ensuring flexibility throughout our programme to support student’s needs and personal circumstances, for example those with medical conditions, caring responsibilities and other considerations. For example, we are open to exploring part-time options if appropriate for the nature of the research.