PhD Studentship in Mechanical Engineering - University of Leeds

Dorothy Hodgkin Postgraduate Award
Turbo-charged engines research
School of Mechanical Engineering

Value of Award:

Maintenance Stipend for a maximum period of 3 years (£12,940 for Session 2008/09), full overseas rate fees and a Research Training Support Grant

Number Available: One

Closing Date: Extended to 15 April 2009

Minimum Academic Requirements: A very good first degree (equivalent to a UK first class honours degree) from a prestigious institution in a relevant discipline such as Engineering, Mathematics or Physics (a lower rated BSc with a Masters will not normally be accepted as the equivalent of a UK first class honours degree). Candidates must also meet the University's English language requirements.

Additional Information: The Dorothy Hodgkin Postgraduate Awards are a national initiative to bring outstanding students from India, Brazil, China, Hong Kong, Russia, South Africa and the developing world to the UK to study for PhD degrees in top-rated research environments. The eligible countries are those listed in Part 1 on the OECD website: http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/35/9/2488552.pdf

This award is provided by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Council (www.epsrc.ac.uk) and MAHLE Powertrain Ltd (www.mahle-powertrain.com) and is available for a research project in the area of:

Turbo-charged engines research

Spark Ignition engine downsizing, through the use of high boost pressures (turbocharging) has significant impact on engine efficiency/CO2 emissions. However, at present there is inadequate knowledge of the burn rate and auto-ignition/knock characteristics at such conditions. This is particularly so for potential second generation biofuels (e.g. ethanol and butanol blends). The study will provide necessary knowledge by employing unique high pressure/temperature/optical access fan-stirred combustion vessels and optically accessed engines. Experimental work will be backed up by theoretical analysis of combustion rates and instabilities.

Further details about the research carried out in the School of Mechanical Engineering can be found at http://www.engineering.leeds.ac.uk/mech/research/

Further information on the background to the Dorothy Hodgkin Postgraduate Awards Scheme can be found at http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/hodgkin/

Application Forms:

Contact Details: Application forms and guidance notes are available from http://www.leeds.ac.uk/rds/schol/dhpa-forms.html
and should be returned to the Scholarships Office, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT

Please contact Dr Alexy Burluka for enquiries about the project area.
Email: a.a.burluka@leeds.ac.uk
Tel: + 44 (0)113 343 2220
Fax: +44 (0)113 242 2150

Applicants should also complete an application form for research degree study, which is available at http://www.leeds.ac.uk/students/appfmweb.doc or online at http://www.leeds.ac.uk/students/apply_research.htm