Combined experimental and mass-transport modelling approaches for under-deposit localised corrosion

PGR-P-1968

Key facts

Type of research degree: Integrated PhD and Master
Application deadline: Friday 31 May 2024
Project start date: Tuesday 1 October 2024
Country eligibility: International (open to all nationalities, including the UK)
Funding: Funded
Source of funding: Centre for doctoral training
Supervisors: Professor Richard Barker
Additional supervisors: Dr Joshua Owens, Dr Alice Macente
Schools: School of Civil Engineering, School of Mathematics, School of Mechanical Engineering
Research groups/institutes: Institute of Fluid Dynamics

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Summary</h2>

The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Fluid Dynamics is now recruiting to this fantastic PhD opportunity in partnership with Shell, Netherlands. As a student on the CDT you will participate in a four year programme that combines an integrated MSc (completed over the first two years) paired with a three year PhD-level research programme. This gives you a combination of bespoke taught modules and inter-disciplinary research training. You will be part of a supportive cohort of research students with different academic backgrounds, all focusing on different aspects of Fluid Dynamics. During the taught aspects of your course you will receive a range of tailored seminars, lectures and practical laboratories to cover the computational, experimental and analytical aspects of Fluid Dynamics. This provides you with a strong background to the fundamentals of Fluid Dynamics. In addition you will have access to a wide range of personal development activities. Further information on the CDT is available here: fluid-dynamics.leeds.ac.uk

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Full description</h2>

About the Project: Internal carbon dioxide (CO2) corrosion of steel infrastructure is a degradation mechanism known to occur across mature energy, renewable energy and carbon abatement technologies. Despite extensive research, the complexities of CO2 corrosion has still left many questions unresolved, particularly those related to localised attack under sand/corrosion product deposits and the explanation behind its severity. This project will capitalise on the latest x-ray tomography, electrochemical and spectroscopy facilities at the University of Leeds, shedding new light into under-deposit localised corrosion processes and their control through chemical inhibition. The student will gain hands on experience with the acquisition and processing of x-ray tomography and spectroscopy data. In addition, they will benefit from access to corrosion labs within the School of Mechanical Engineering, enabling them to implement advanced electrochemical methods and utilise unique electrochemical cells to measure localised corrosion processes under deposits, both in-situ and in real-time. This experimental programme will enable the development of models to quantify mass-transport through porous media using COMSOL Multiphysics to aid prediction of localised corrosion susceptibility, substantially advancing beyond the state-of-art methods and techniques used to understand such processes. The project is supported by Shell, Netherlands. Project aims: New Knowledge: New understanding of the role of deposits in driving localised corrosion and methods of mitigaiton New Technology: Numerical simulation techniques, not available in the supply chain, for predicting the potential for under deposit corrosion to occue. Developing New Skills: Developing new numerical modelling skills in the use of CFD packages to model corrosion processes Maintaining Skills: Maintaining and developing use of simulation techniques with applicability to a wide range of corrosion problems relevant to the energy sector.

<h2 class="heading">How to apply</h2>

Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for EPSRC CDT Fluid Dynamics and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is Combined experimental and mass-transport modelling approaches for under-deposit localised corrosion as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/staff/501/professor-richard-barker">Professor Richard Barker</a> as your proposed supervisor.  Please state clearly in the Finance section that the funding source you are applying for is EPSRC CDT Fluid Dynamics.  Additionally, you must state if you are able to self-fund your own studies for 4 years or if externally sponsored, confirmation that funding will cover your study for 4 years. If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below). As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability. Applications will be considered after the closing date.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application.  We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed. Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of 31 May 2024: <ul> <li>Please include a completed Fluid Dynamics CDT Personal Statement. <a href="https://fluid-dynamics.leeds.ac.uk/programme/">Personal Statement Proforma</a> (found in the ‘how to apply’ section) – A Research Proposal is not required.</li> <li>Please include a CV</li> <li>Please include all transcripts and certificates for your degree(s).</li> <li>After you submit your PhD application on-line you may get a message requesting you to send hard copies of your degree transcripts and references in sealed envelopes. Please ignore this. We do not require hard copies of your degree documents at the application stage, we only require these when you arrive in Leeds to register for your programme.</li> <li>References are requested by the Admissions team on your behalf if you are shortlisted for interview. Your referees are emailed a Faculty Reference Form to complete and return by email. If your referees want to provide their reference on headed paper an emailed scan is sufficient for our purpose.</li> </ul>

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Entry requirements</h2>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">English language requirements</h2>

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<h2 class="heading">Funding on offer</h2>

A highly competitive EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Fluid Dynamics studentship in partnership with Shell (Netherlands), offering the award of fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grantof £19,237 per year for 4 years.  Training and support will also be provided. This opportunity is open to all applicants, with a very small number of awards for Non-UK nationals. All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Fluid Dynamics Studentship Competition and selection is based on academic merit. Important:  Any costs associated with your arrival at the University of Leeds to start your PhD including flights, immigration health surcharge/medical insurance and Visa costs are not covered under this studentship. Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.

<h2 class="heading">Contact details</h2>

For futher information about this project, please contact Professor Richard Barker by email to <a href="mailto:R.J.Barker@leeds.ac.uk">R.J.Barker@leeds.ac.uk</a> or if you have any questions about the EPSRC CDT Fluid Dynamics, please contact the the EPSRC CDT Programme Team by email to <a href="mailto:fluid-dynamics@leeds.ac.uk">fluid-dynamics@leeds.ac.uk</a> For further information about your application or how to apply, please contact Doctoral College Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk">maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk</a>