Combined experimental and mass-transport modelling approaches for under-deposit localised corrosion

The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Fluid Dynamics is now recruiting to this fantastic PhD opportunity in partnership with Shell, Netherlands.

As a student on the CDT you will participate in a four year programme that combines an integrated MSc (completed over the first two years) paired with a three year PhD-level research programme. This gives you a combination of bespoke taught modules and inter-disciplinary research training.

You will be part of a supportive cohort of research students with different academic backgrounds, all focusing on different aspects of Fluid Dynamics. During the taught aspects of your course you will receive a range of tailored seminars, lectures and practical laboratories to cover the computational, experimental and analytical aspects of Fluid Dynamics. This provides you with a strong background to the fundamentals of Fluid Dynamics. In addition you will have access to a wide range of personal development activities.

Further information on the CDT is available here:  https://fluid-dynamics.leeds.ac.uk/programme/

The PhD Project: Combined experimental and mass-transport modelling approaches for under-deposit localised corrosion

Internal carbon dioxide (CO₂) corrosion of steel infrastructure is a degradation mechanism known to occur across mature energy, renewable energy and carbon abatement technologies. Despite extensive research, the complexities of CO2 corrosion has still left many questions unresolved, particularly those related to localised attack under sand/corrosion product deposits and the explanation behind its severity.

This project will capitalise on the latest x-ray tomography, electrochemical and spectroscopy facilities at the University of Leeds, shedding new light into under-deposit localised corrosion processes and their control through chemical inhibition.

The student will gain hands on experience with the acquisition and processing of x-ray tomography and spectroscopy data. In addition, they will benefit from access to corrosion labs within the School of Mechanical Engineering, enabling them to implement advanced electrochemical methods and utilise unique electrochemical cells to measure localised corrosion processes under deposits, both in-situ and in real-time.

This experimental programme will enable the development of models to quantify mass-transport through porous media using COMSOL Multiphysics to aid prediction of localised corrosion susceptibility, substantially advancing beyond the state-of-art methods and techniques used to understand such processes. The project is supported by Shell, Netherlands.

Project aims:

• New Knowledge: New understanding of the role of deposits in driving localised corrosion and methods of mitigaiton
• New Technology: Numerical simulation techniques, not available in the supply chain, for predicting the potential for under deposit corrosion to occue.
• Developing New Skills: Developing new numerical modelling skills in the use of CFD packages to model corrosion processes
• Maintaining Skills: Maintaining and developing use of simulation techniques with applicability to a wide range of corrosion problems relevant to the energy sector.

The project supervisors are Professor Richard Barker, Dr Joshua Owen and Dr Alice Macente.

How to apply:

Complete online application form naming the PhD project on the form:

 https://fluid-dynamics.leeds.ac.uk/programme/

Application deadline: 30th May 2024.

Entry requirements: A degree equivalent to a UK first class honours, or a high upper second class, in an engineering, mathematics or science discipline. Queries: Please contact us on fluid-dynamics@leeds.ac.uk