Developing surface solutions to prevent material embrittlement in hydrogen applications

PhD project, in collaboration with the AC2T in Austria (please see link below), on the efficiency and reliability of lubricated materials in a hydrogen environment. Hydrogen release from the lubricant into bearings and gears is shown to lead to premature failures due to material embrittlement and excessive wear, significantly affecting the reliability of technologies such as electric vehicles and wind turbines. Insufficient reliability of machine elements in these low-carbon technologies can be detrimental to their energy efficiency and, as a result, hinder their advancement in achieving the 2050 net-zero carbon target. Hydrogen release from lubricated contacts and its diffusion into steel is proven to lead to premature material failure, limiting the reliability of bearings and gears. This project aims to develop bespoke experimental methods to study the mechanisms of how hydrogen atoms, generated in tribological interfaces, diffuse into steel and the effectiveness of lubricants/surface coatings in preventing this hydrogen diffusion. The experimental work will focus on friction experiments in a hydrogen environment, accompanied by lubricant and surface characterisation. The project is supported by the Austrian Excellence Center for Tribology AC2T Research GmbH in Austria and the University of Leeds and will involve a secondment in AC2T. <br /> <br /> The project's goal is to develop lubricant/surface coating systems with enhanced performance in mitigating material embrittlement, as well as reducing friction and wear in hydrogen-rich environments. The project provides unique research training for the PhD student, including secondment periods at AC2T in Austria, in a research area relevant to the growing industry of low-carbon technologies of electric vehicles and hydrogen-fuelled engines. The project results will lead to several research publications and presentations at international conferences. The PhD student will join the AC2T In Tribology network with more than 120 members from industry and academia, providing further networking and career development opportunities.<br />

<p style="margin-bottom:11px"><strong><a href="https://www.ac2t.at/en/">AC2T</a></strong></p> <p><strong>Project Aims:</strong></p> <p>The project's goal is to develop lubricant/surface coating systems with enhanced performance in mitigating material embrittlement, as well as reducing friction and wear in hydrogen-rich environments. The primary objectives are:</p> <p>• Utilising the existing experimental capabilities at Leeds in the areas of tribology and hydrogen combustion to design and build a bespoke facility for testing surfaces in a pressurised hydrogen setting.</p> <p>• To study the impact of a hydrogen atmosphere on tribology performance and diffusion of hydrogen into steel.</p> <p>• To develop mechanistic models of how lubricants and/or surface coatings inhibit hydrogen diffusion and control friction and wear in a hydrogen environment.</p> <p>• To design and test new lubricant additives and surface coatings.</p>

<p>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 <em><strong>PHD Mechanical Engineering</strong></em> and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Developing surface solutions to prevent material embrittlement in hydrogen applications</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/staff/330/professor-ardian-morina">Professor Ardian Morina</a> as your proposed supervisor. <em><strong>Please state clearly in the Finance section that the funding source you are applying for is School of Mechanical Engineering Studentship 2024/25.</strong></em></p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px">Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Friday 17 January 2025: </p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>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.</em></p>

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.

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.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing">A highly competitive School of Mechanical Engineering Studentship providing the award of full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate (£19,237 in academic session 2024/25) for 3.5 years. There are no additional allowances for travel, research expenses, conference attendance or any other costs.  Please note that this studentship is open to UK applicants only.</p> <p>You will be responsible for paying the overtime fee in full in your writing up/overtime year (£320 in Session 2024/25), but the scholarship maintenance allowance will continue to be paid for up to 6 months in the final year of award.</p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p style="margin-top:7px; margin-bottom:11px; margin-left:8px">For further information about this project, please contact Professor Ardian Morina by email to <a href="mailto:A.Morina@leeds.ac.uk">A.Morina@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p style="margin-top:7px; margin-bottom:11px; margin-left:8px">For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>