PhD studentship

Deposit induced corrosion in gas turbines and heat exchangers

Cranfield University

Academic Supervisor: Dr Nigel Simms, Professor John Nicholls and Dr Joy Sumner

Supported by EPSRC and Supergen PLE a studentship of up to £16,590 for three years plus fees is available*.

This research project, based at Cranfield University's Centre for Energy and Resource Technology, will investigate common issues affecting the life of power generation plants through the Supergen (Plant Life Extension) project. The successful candidate will be involved in collaboration with industrial and academic partners as they tackle issues relating to high temperature material degradation. Partners include:

Doosan Power Systems
E.ON Engineering Ltd
Rolls-Royce plc
Siemens Industrial Turbomachinery Ltd
University of Bristol
Loughborough University
University of Nottingham

Energy efficient power generation is a main industry driver, with providers striving to cut CO₂ emission and maintain competitive pricing. One of the routes to this increased efficiency requires higher operating temperatures, which in turn increases the oxidation and corrosion of power station materials. This PhD will focus on understanding the similarities in corrosion mechanisms and corrosion microstructures between two currently distinct branches of industrial corrosion: hot corrosion of nickel-based alloys in gas turbines; and fireside corrosion of heat exchanger materials in boilers.

Currently fireside corrosion and high temperature corrosion are studied independently from one another. Recently however, this mindset has been challenged as operating conditions for heat exchangers become increasingly extreme, requiring the use of Ni-based materials. The successful applicant will explore the corrosion mechanism for both groups of materials, using the Centre's range of corrosion test and analysis facilities to investigate damage experienced by a wide range of state-of-the-art alloys. Through these tests, they will develop their understanding of both corrosion fields, aiming to understand points of commonality. Working alongside other researchers, the successful candidate will use this understanding to determine key corrosion process drivers to both corrosion mechanisms, with the aim of bridging these two industrially significant fields.

Closing date: 29 July 2011
Start date: October 2011

Entry requirements Applicants should have a first or upper second class UK Honours degree in materials science, physics, engineering or related discipline. A Masters degree relating to power generation, corrosion and/or metallurgy, is also desirable, but not essential. Applicants should be motivated and enthusiastic, with the ability to work alone while also able to collaborate when situations require.

Funding *Supported by EPSRC and Supergen PLE this studentship will cover the tuition fees at the UK/EU rate only and provide a bursary of up to £16,590 p.a. for three years. To be eligible applicants must have settled status and have been 'ordinarily resident' in the UK for 3 years prior to the start of the grant and not been residing in the UK wholly or mainly for the purpose of full-time education. (n/a to UK or EU nationals). All EU nationals are eligible to receive a fees-only award if they do not have 'settled status' in the UK. Full details at:http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/PostgraduateTraining/StudentEligibility.htm

How to applyPlease submit a CV and complete the application form at:http://www.cranfield.ac.uk/students/applications/apply_pgresearch.pdf

You can also apply online: http://www.cranfield.ac.uk/prospectuslinks/course.jsp?course=PhD/MPhil%20School%20of%20Applied%20Sciences

Please make sure you place "Supergen PLE" in the "Study Details - Research Interest" box on the application form.

For more information and an application form please contact:

T: 44 (0)1234 754086
E: appliedsciences@cranfield.ac.uk