Solving Problems of Hydrogen Safety by CFD-FEM Simulations

Hydrogen is increasingly recognized as a key element in the transition to a net zero future, offering a clean alternative to fossil fuels across multiple sectors. However, safety remains a critical concern for the deployment of hydrogen systems and infrastructure. This PhD position at Ulster University's HySAFER Centre focuses on closing knowledge gaps and addressing technological bottlenecks in hydrogen safety through advanced modelling and simulation techniques. The successful candidate will develop, validate, and apply coupled Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations. This methodology is essential for simulating fluid-structure interactions (FSI) encountered during hydrogen-related incidents. The research will contribute to externally funded national and EU projects, tackling real-world challenges such as: Safety design of gaseous and liquid hydrogen storage systems onboard vehicles (road, rail, waterborne, and airborne), including the integrity of storage rooms and ventilation systems during incidents. Design and assessment of mitigation barriers to reduce pressure and thermal effects at hydrogen refuelling stations. Investigation of emerging issues, such as incidents involving hydrogen-natural gas blends in pipeline infrastructure, with a focus on FSI scenarios involving buried pipeline failures. Models developed during the project will be validated against experimental data from HySAFER projects, published literature, and partner organizations. The research will utilize contemporary ANSYS software and the Kelvin-2 high-performance computing facilities in Northern Ireland. Results will be disseminated at international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. Applicants should have a strong background in mathematics, physics, CFD, FEM, heat and mass transfer, combustion, or related fields. Prior experience with numerical studies is advantageous. The position is based at the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment, Ulster University - Belfast Campus. References to recent research and publications by the supervisory team highlight the cutting-edge nature of the work, including studies on hydrogen tank rupture, explosion-free tank technologies, atmospheric dispersion modelling, and pipeline leak analysis. The application deadline is February 27, 2026. For further details and to apply, visit the project page or contact the supervisors.