Funded position - Experimental reactive fluid mechanics for aerospace applications

We welcome applications for several PhD positions in reactive fluid mechanics for aerospace application. More specifically on the fire resistance of Li-Ion batteries and composites as well as on hydrogen combustion. The PhD position available involve experimental work but can also include a numerical simulation component. The student is therefore expected to carry out laboratory work, data analysis and numerical simulation tasks, with a focus to be identified according to individual interests and qualifications.

From the sustained effort to reduce reliance on fossil fuels for transportation, new research challenges emerge in reactive fluid mechanics. In the aerospace sector, both electrification of propulsion and the use of alternative fuels such as hydrogen are gaining traction. Ironically, although very different these two approaches are associated with a similar combustion configuration: small and fast jets of fuels mixing in air. In the former, when Lithium-Ion cells undergo thermal runaway, the pyrolysis of the electrolyte yields a pressurized hydrogen-rich gas that escapes the vents, with supersonic velocities. In the latter, hydrogen is often mixed with the oxidizer through arrays of microjets to promote efficient mixing and prevent flashback. In both cases, fundamental understanding of the ignition, propagation and stability of these flames is sought, to ensure the safety of the occupants and minimize pollutant formation. 

The work proposed here is first and foremost experimental in nature, involving the use of advanced diagnostic tools to characterize the flames produced and extract insights on the underlying physics. On the battery sides, this starts by inducing thermal runaway in commercially available Li-Ion cells. Using our novel time-resolved calorimetry tools, the contributions from processes internal and external to the cell can then be quantified, to isolate the effect of the jet flame produced at the vent. Our hydrogen microjet combustion experiments are conducted in our pressurized crossflow experimental facility. In both cases, quantities of interest including the flame shape, position and stability, which can be used to quantify the combustion efficiency. Experimental results can then be used to support the development of numerical simulation models and validate them. The numerical tools used will include Cantera, Fluent and OpenFoam. Close collaboration with academic and industrial partners with active research programs in the aerospace sector ensures that the results obtained can be quickly integrated into innovative products and enables students to build their own professional networks.   

The project will be carried out at the Laboratory for Reactive and Multiphase Flows (LaMuReF) at Polytechnique Montréal, under the supervision of Prof. Etienne Robert.

Application

Individuals interested in joining the project should send:

1.     Brief curriculum vitea along with their transcripts;

2.     An example of technical writing in English where the applicant is the main author (paper, report or master thesis for example).

3.     A list of publications where one section is devoted to articles accepted/published in international refereed journals and one other section where all the other communications (conferences, books, papers not written in English, etc.) are listed;

4.     A one-page letter explaining for which position profile (experimental/numerical/hybrid) is the application, the expertise of the candidate and relevant contributions to research.

Applications should be sent by email to Prof. Etienne Robert: LaMuReF.Positions@gmail.com

Incomplete or non-conform applications will not be considered. The applications received will be evaluated as they arrive, starting on May 15th 2024, for a start of studies between September 2024 and May, with a preferred start date in January 2025.