The Fire and Explosion Modelling Group (FEMG) at University of Surrey is seeking a Research Fellow to 
work on CFD modelling of hydrogen fire and explosions using OpenFOAM. The research aims to fill 
important knowledge gaps related to the upscaling of hydrogen energy applications. 

You will build on the in-house HyFOAM solver, which has been modified within the frame of OpenFOAM for 
simulating pressurised hydrogen releases, jet fire and explosions. The sponsor will conduct in-house small 
and medium-scale tests with substantial instrumentation to support model validation. The explosion 
modelling will be limited to turbulent deflagrations for this phase of the project, which is for a duration of 
two years. 

You will also contribute to the joint industry project “IMPROVING LIQUID HYDROGEN SAFETY FOR MOBILE 
APPLICATIONS (HySOON)”, led by Professor Jennifer Wen (FREng). The research will focus on the effect 
of fire attacks on purposely built liquid hydrogen tanks with careful instrumentation to generate data for 
model validation. You will conduct fire simulations to provide boundary conditions for another Researcher 
who will conduct finite element analysis of the tanks. There will be ample opportunities to interact with the 
industrial sponsors from the oil and gas industry. The initial duration is 1 year for Phase 1, which will be 
followed by Phase 2 (2025) and Phase 3 (2026). For Phase 2, you will conduct CFD simulations of 
cryogenic hydrogen releases and combustion. 

For the execution of both projects, limited modifications are needed for HyFOAM. FEPG has a Senior 
Research Fellow who help to perform code modifications and consolidation.

We are interested to hear from researchers with PhD in a relevant discipline (although individuals who have 
almost completed a doctoral degree may be appointed).  Experience in CFD simulations using OpenFOAM 
will be essential.

This is a full-time position available for two years. For an informal discussion about the post, please 
contact Prof. Jennifer Wen (FREng); j.wen@surrey.ac.uk Information about research activities at FMEG can 
be found at  https://www.surrey.ac.uk/fire-and-explosion-modelling-group