Plasma-assisted combustion (PAC) has gained significant interest as an effective 
approach for enhancing combustion efficiency and reducing emissions, particularly 
in low-reactivity fuels. Previous studies have shown that nanosecond pulsed 
plasma discharges can lower ignition delay, improve flame speed, extend lean 
ignition limits, and reduce NOx emissions in ammonia combustion. However, 
modelling PAC systems is highly challenging due to the need to account for a 
complex array of coupled physical and chemical phenomena across gas and plasma 
phases, as well as electrodynamics and transport processes that span multiple 
length and time scales.

This Leverhulme Trust-funded PhD project will investigate the enhancement 
pathways of non-equilibrium plasmas in low-emission ammonia combustion, in 
collaboration with the York Plasma Institute. The research will combine 
computational modelling, experimental validation, and machine learning techniques 
to develop a predictive phenomenological PAC model.

The successful applicant will develop and apply multiscale modelling approaches, 
including:

Development and validation of a detailed phenomenological PAC model for ammonia 
mixtures 
 Development and integration of Machine learning (ML) models to enhance 
computational efficiency in PAC simulations
LES simulations of laminar and turbulent configurations of plasma-assisted 
ammonia combustion
The project will support detailed analyses of radical formation, flame stability, 
and emissions under plasma-assisted conditions, which are crucial for advancing 
clean combustion technologies.

Training & Development
The PhD student will receive comprehensive training in:

Plasma physics and diagnostics at the York Plasma Institute
Computational combustion modelling using High-Performance Computing (HPC)
Machine learning techniques for predictive combustion models
Research communication and professional development, with opportunities to 
present at international conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
The student will be part of a collaborative research network, working closely 
with researchers at the York Plasma Institute and other national and 
international partners.

Funding Notes
This 4 year PhD project is fully funded by the Leverhulme Trust and open to UK 
applicants only. The successful applicant will receive home tuition fees and an 
annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£ 21,237 for 2024/25​)
The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good Honours degree 
(minimum 2:1 honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in mechanical/aerospace/chemical 
engineering or applied physics
Applicant required to start by October 2025
Apply here: https://mysis.qmul.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login?
process=siw_ipp_app&code1=RFQM-H4ZM-09&code2=0016