DOCTORAL STUDENT POSITION IN COMBUSTION ENGINES - HEAVY DUTY PARTIALLY COMBUSTION (HD-PPC)

Job assignments

One of the most promising concepts to achieve engines with high fuel efficiency and hence low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions is to apply the Partially Premixed Combustion, PPC, concept. With this concept fuel is injected rather close to top dead centre but with dilution in the cylinder there will be a delay before combustion starts. During this delay fuel and air mix to some extent and thus very fuel rich zones can be avoided. This prevents excessive soot formation as in a diesel engine. With correct settings we have also shown that NOx, HC and CO can be kept very low. Indicated fuel efficiency for the PPC concept has been shown to be up to 57%. This project focused on demonstrate the PPC combustion concept in a multi cylinder Volvo Engine with state of the art fuel injection as gas management systems. Engine and measurement systems are available from a prior project but much more work is needed to find a close to optimum performance and understand the limitations. The work will be focused on the interaction between fuel and combustion process. The goal is to demonstrate at least 50% brake efficiency but with the long term goal of 55%. The project is funded by the Swedish Energy Agency and Volvo Powertrain within a FFI project.

For this position we will apply the same publication and travel rules as is in effect at the division. Thus students travel to international meetings where the student makes an oral presentation of a paper written by him/her. The normal production for a student is 6-8 papers/presentations as first author within the framework of a Ph.D. thesis. All students are also expected to take part in other activities closely related to their own and, by that, be co-authors of additional papers. The international conferences are located in the US, Asia (mostly Japan) and Europe. Within our wide international network we also send students out for 1-6 month periods to companies or universities. Examples during the last year are Toyota (JP), Caterpillar (US), Berkeley (US), Stanford (US) and Nissan (JP). This student exchange program is funded by the Vinnova VinnPro framework. Students within KCFP or associated will also make presentations to the industry partners twice per year in Lund and also at the industry locations. This means that a good personal network can be built during the Ph.D. and thus employment after graduation is highly probable. So far, all with a Ph.D. from the division has been offered a position in industry after graduation.

Eligibility/Entry Requirements

The general eligibility requirement for doctoral studies is a university degree of at least 240 ECTS credits, including at least 60 credits at an advanced level.

Basis of Assessment

Selection to postgraduate studies is based on the estimated ability to perform well in the studies. This estimation is based primarily on the results of the studies on basic and advanced level, in particular:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to postgraduate studies within this area, such as course work in engine technology, laser diagnostics, etc.
2. Estimated ability to work independently and to formulate and solve scientific questions. This ability can be established, for example, based on a master thesis or in a discussion of scientific problems during a potential interview.
3. Skills in written and oral communication.
4. Other experience relevant to postgraduate studies, such as professional experience.

A suitable background for this position is M.Sc. (Civilingenjör) or equivalent. A background in engine processes can be suitable but is no requirement. Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Chemical Engineering or similar would be suitable specializations. We especially welcome female applicants.

Type of employment: Limit of tenure, 4 years
Extent: 100 %
Location: Department of Energy Sciences, Lund
First day of employment: as soon as possible
Official Records Number: LTHPA 2011/51

For further information please contact:
Bengt Johansson, Professor
046-2228523
bengt.johansson@energy.lth.se

Per Tunestål, Senior lecturer
046-2224208
per.tunestal@energy.lth.se

Martin Tunér, Senior lecturer
046-2224050
martin.tuner@energy.lth.se

Öivind Andersson, Senior lecturer
046-2228525
oivind.andersson@energy.lth.se

www.energy.lth.se/

Labour union 
SACO: Mats Cedervall
046-2227516
mats.cedervall@eit.lth.se

OFR/S: Rita Nilsson
046-2229362
st@st.lu.se

Last Day of Applying
       2011-02-22

Appointment Procedure

Please apply online.

Lund University promotes an equal opportunities code. We encourage both men and women to apply for this position.

Salary is determined on an individual basis, within certain guidelines for this type of position. Please state requested salary in your application.

Applications will be destroyed or returned (upon request) two years after the decision of employment has become final. Applications from the employed and from those who appeal the decision will not be returned.