This is a PhD proposal to investigate experimentally and numerically swirling flows in automotive catalytic converters. The project is directly relevant to the reduction of carbon emissions as it deals with the design of aftertreatment systems for small, turbocharged car engines. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with Jaguar Landrover.

Catalytic converters are used for removal of toxic emissions from car exhaust. Uniformity of the flow inside the catalyst is important for maintaining high species conversion efficiency, and also affects catalyst durability. Recent trend to use turbochargers on engines results in swirling flow entering the catalyst. The effect of swirl on the flow distribution inside the catalyst is not well understood. The purpose of this project is thus to investigate the effect the swirl has on the flow uniformity inside the converter. It will involve measuring flow profiles with HWA (Hot-Wire Anemometry), PIV (particle-image velocimetry) and also modelling the flow using commercial software such as StarCCM+.

The successful applicant will work with the group of researchers specialising in engine and emissions research within the department of Mechanical, Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering at Coventry University (http://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-directory/engineering/automotive-engineering/)

Candidate specifications

• A taught Masters degree in a relevant discipline, involving a dissertation of standard length written in English in the relevant subject area with a minimum of a merit profile: 60% overall module average and a minimum of a 60% dissertation mark
• The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a three-year period of study
• A minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component)