PhD Studentship - Deposit Induced Corrosion in Gas Turbines and Heat Exchangers – (Ph.D.)

Supported by EPSRC and Supergen PLE a studentship of up to £16,590 for three years plus fees* is available
This three year research project, based at Cranfield University’s . The successful candidate will be involved in collaboration with industrial and academic partners as they tackle issues relating to high temperature material degradation. These 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. More specifically, 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 mechanistic 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 the hot corrosion and fireside corrosion mechanisms, with the aim of bridging these two industrially significant fields.

Start date: ASAP

How to apply

Please submit a CV and complete the application form at: Please make sure you place “Supergen PLE" in the “Study Details – Research Interest” box on the application form.

Alternatively, for more information and an application form please contact:

School of Applied Sciences
T: 44 (0)1234 754086
E: appliedsciences@cranfield.ac.uk