PhD Students

The project aims to enhance and extend two phase modelling capability for aeroengine bearing chambers using experimental work and CFD. The experimental section will collect and analyse data relevant to bearing oil shedding, film behaviour, flow and heat management using a variety of conventional and advanced measurement techniques including high speed imaging and laser methods. Using Fluent, relevant bearing chamber scenarios will be modelled, developing and extending modelling capability where necessary. Comparison of experimental data with computational models will be used for validation.

Gas compression and expansion for the purposes of energy storage must necessarily be very high efficiency. In the case of compressed air energy storage, the round-trip efficiency of the storage cycle is limited to η_c times η_e. If both compression and expansion machines had efficiencies of 90%, then the round-trip efficiency would definitely be below 81%. This project will explore the development of an ultra-high efficiency compressor exploiting liquid-piston technology. The most important loss mechanisms present in an existing design will be identified and a revised design will be put forward that retains the attractions of the original design but achieves higher performance.