Research Assistant in Engine and Modelling

Short info about job

Detail information about job Research Assistant in Engine and Modelling. Terms and conditions vacancy

Engine Modelling Project Details (0.5 FTE) School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

The Engine Modelling Team at Oxford Brookes University is part of a large multi-partner engine development project led by Ford Motor Company – APC6 DynAMO (Dynamic Analysis Modelling and Optimisation of GDI engines). The £22M project will deliver the next generation of Gasoline Direct Injection engines, optimised for reduced fuel consumption and reduced noxious emissions. The involvement of Brookes will be in the area of engine modelling and Particulate Matter formation and emissions. The research activities, supported primarily by consortium partners CD-Adapco/Siemens, Ford and Loughborough University, aim to deliver improved, exploitable, fundamental knowledge of soot mechanisms taking place during partially-premixed spark ignition combustion. The project will identify effective control strategies to reduce soot formed “at source”, enabling lower ultra-fine soot yield and lesser reliance on Gasoline Particulate Filters. The project aims to develop improved modelling software and statistical approaches for model calibration, to enable greater competitiveness and capabilities for the UK automotive sector.

Architectural Engineering Group Project Details (0.5 FTE) School of Architecture

INNOVIP Consortium will reinvent the top-of-the-line insulating material vacuum-insulation-panels (VIP) by improving their thermal performance over the entire lifetime by at least 25 % and making VIPs adjustable, mountable and machineable. The architectural Engineering Group will be responsible for quantifying the environmental burden of the new improved panels.

HAIR is concerned with the durability of steel intensive building envelopes against thermal and moisture related hygrothermal failures. The project concentrates on investigations and solutions to prevent condensation and corrosion effects at steel sandwich construction. The involvement of the Architectural Engineering Group will be in the areas of hygrothermal and condensation analysis and also building performance modelling.

The successful candidate will be responsible to:

- undertake independent research in engine modelling, relevant to the requirements of the multi-partner APC6 DynAMO project (Dynamic Analysis Modelling and Optimisation of GDI engines, led by Ford Motor Company).

- develop, optimise, validate and apply CFD of engines, including the development of statistical and optimisation techniques for model calibration; to process, analyse and manipulate numerical and experimental engine data as appropriate.

- use CFD for building applications and simulate hygrothermal performance of steel sandwich panels. 

- undertake building performance simulations and lead/design necessary laboratory testing

- plan, develop and perform research activities, and contribute to the management of tasks relevant to the research projects

- support other existing research projects and to contribute to the development of new multi-partner EU and UK TSB projects

- actively contribute to the dissemination activities; to conduct literature searches and reviews, assist with the preparation of papers for publication, and prepare and present research findings at industrial meetings and academic conferences

- take responsibility as required for formal teaching and demonstrating activities.

You should have:

- A good first degree in Mechanical Engineering and either postgraduate qualifications or a PhD close to completion in a relevant subject

- Experience as an independent researcher, or postgraduate experience in industry or academia

- Experience in engine modelling using CFD software, or experience using CFD software in another relevant engineering area

- Knowledge and understanding of internal combustion engines working principles, pollutants formation and emission regulations.

This is a full-time temporary position for 36 months.

For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Fabrizio Bonatesta ([email protected]), or Dr Shahab Resalati ([email protected])