Context
With a 75-90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared with conventional fuel, hydrogen, whose combustion generates only water, is the fuel of the future for aviation. However, its very low volumetric energy density means that it must be used in liquid phase under cryogenic conditions (LH2 around 20 K). It requires to adapt the way turbojet fuel is supplied, using a compact pump operating at high speed, in which vaporization occurs.
Locally, the liquid vaporizes under the effect of a decrease in pressure, forming pockets of gas attached to the blades, leading to a degradation in pumping performance and strong parasitic vibrations. The design of these systems must therefore be capable of controlling the cavitation instabilities that can develop (generating high-amplitude pressure fluctuations, vibrations and radial loads on the pump bearings).
Despite the efforts made in this field, numerical modelling of these pumps faces a number of obstacles, due to the coupled mass and heat transfer between phases, the presence of intense pressure waves and the complex interaction with turbulence.Objectives
This thesis aims to develop a numerical approach capable of taking into account the effects of small-scale turbulence interacting with multiphase structures (large-eddy simulation), as well as interfacial exchanges under cryogenic conditions, to carry out high-fidelity simulations in order to investigate configurations of interest.
Qualifications
MSc degree or engineering degree with courses in fluid mechanics and numerical simulation at advanced level. Knowledge on compressible numerical methods and thermodynamics as well as computer science (programming, processing of large volumes of data) will be appreciated.
Application
The application must be sent by email to eric.goncalves@ensma.fr including a CV, a motivation letter, the names and contact information of references and copies of verified diplomas from high school and universities.
