PhD student – HyNOISE Doctoral Candidate (DC3): Large Eddy Simulations of hydrogen-air combustion dynamics and tonal noise in annular combustors Polytechnic University of Bari in Italy

HyNOISE Doctoral Network is offering a fully funded PhD position (Doctoral Candidate DC3) focused on large-eddy simulations of hydrogen-air combustion dynamics and tonal noise in annular combustors. The project is hosted in a collaborative European network involving academic and industrial partners working on hydrogen combustion, combustion acoustics, and low-noise gas turbine technologies.

The research is centered on predicting and controlling direct and indirect noise from hydrogen flames, with emphasis on unsteady ignition and flashback, broadband noise from flame-flame interaction and turbulence, and the onset of thermoacoustic instabilities at high frequencies. The specific PhD topic will investigate hydrogen differential diffusion, intrinsic instabilities, conjugate heat transfer, self-sustained thermoacoustic instability, and tonal/broadband combustion noise in representative combustors and an industrial engine configuration.

The scientific work will be carried out with high-fidelity computational tools and models, including the AVBP solver, AVTP thermal solver, Cantera, and Arcane. The project will study annular combustion chambers such as MICCA and HYLON, with the goal of validating sub-grid models for hydrogen combustion and improving the prediction of acoustic/flame coupling, heat-transfer effects, and noise generation mechanisms. The expected outcomes include development and validation of H2 sub-grid models, simulations of combustion chamber light-around and instability, and transfer of the methods to industrial engine noise prediction.

The position is part of Horizon Europe MSCA, and the selected candidate will be employed for 36 months. The funding includes a competitive salary according to MSCA regulations, with living allowance, mobility allowance, and possibly family allowance, subject to eligibility. The post also includes secondments to EM2C Laboratory, IMFT Laboratory, and Safran Aircraft Engines in France, offering experimental and industrial exposure. The candidate will join an international, interdisciplinary environment and benefit from structured training and participation in conferences and outreach activities.

Eligibility highlights include an MSc or equivalent in aerospace engineering, physics, or a related area; strong background in combustion, fluid mechanics, compressible turbulence, and CFD; excellent English communication skills; and eligibility to enroll in a PhD program at Institut National Polytechnique de Toulouse. Applicants of any nationality may apply, but they must satisfy the MSCA mobility rule and must not already hold a doctoral degree. The application deadline is 2026-12-31.