ESPRC IDLA Studentship - Research into Low order modelling of Rotating Detonation Engines
Overview
The University of Cambridge Department of Engineering invites applications for a fully funded four-year PhD studentship focused on research into low order models of a rotating detonation engine. Conducted in collaboration with Rolls-Royce under the Industrial Doctoral Landscape Award scheme, the project aims to contribute to lower weight and higher power propulsion systems compared to conventional gas turbine engines. The research involves developing a simplified skeleton model for a rotating detonation engine, validating it against higher fidelity models and experiments, extending it to liquid fuels, and integrating it with a gas turbine simulation platform.
Who can apply
This opportunity is available for eligible home students and a limited number of international students. Applicants must hold or expect to be awarded a good United Kingdom Master degree or an overseas equivalent in a relevant science subject such as Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or Mathematics. A preference is given to candidates with a focus on fluid mechanics and numerical methods, alongside programming experience in Python or C++. Candidates should be self-motivated, capable of teamwork, and able to communicate research findings effectively.
What you get
The studentship is a four-year award that covers full academic fees and maintenance.
Requirements
The student selected for this position will undergo training in thermodynamic modelling of compressible and supersonic systems. Responsibilities include translating existing thermodynamic codes for chemical modelling and a detonation toolbox into open source code, implementing eigenvalue simulations to determine rotating detonation engine frequency and cycle properties, and validating the code against higher fidelity simulations and experimental results. Additional duties involve extending the code for different fuels, geometries, and interfaces with compressors and turbines, producing periodic progress reports, engaging with company specialists, attending international conferences, submitting papers to journals, and participating in annual doctoral conferences and symposia organised by Rolls-Royce and related organisations. Any offer of funding remains conditional on securing a place as a PhD student.
How to apply
Interested candidates must send a two-page curriculum vitae to Professor Simone Hochgreb at sh372@cam.ac.uk. Candidates must also apply separately for admission to the university through the official graduate admissions application portal.
Key dates
The closing date to submit the curriculum vitae to the professor is 28 February 2027, though applications may close early if the position is filled beforehand. The final deadline for PhD applications through the university portal is 14 May 2027, and earlier submission is advised.