The Modelling of Liquid-Fuelled Rotating Detonation Engines for Gas-Turbine Applications Scholarship 2026 at the University of Southampton, United Kingdom, is a fully funded doctoral research opportunity. The project develops advanced computational models for rotating detonation engines (RDEs) using liquid hydrocarbon fuels to improve the efficiency of next-generation gas turbine systems.
About the Modelling of Liquid-Fuelled Rotating Detonation Engines for Gas-Turbine Applications Scholarship
The University of Southampton offers this PhD project under the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, within its advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) research group.
The research focuses on improving gas turbine efficiency by replacing conventional combustion with pressure-gain combustion using rotating detonation engines (RDEs).
The project extends the university’s in-house CFD solver (AMROC) to include two-phase flow and spray combustion modeling, enabling accurate simulation of liquid-fuel combustion inside detonation engines.
The research develops:
- Lagrangian droplet tracking models
- Fuel evaporation and breakup models
- Reduced chemical kinetics for hydrocarbon fuels
- High-fidelity 2D and 3D RDE simulations
- Validation of jet engine conditions similar to Rolls-Royce turbomachinery systems
The project aims to quantify the efficiency gains of RDE-based gas turbines using high-performance parallel computing and advanced numerical methods.
Why Choose The Modelling of Liquid-Fuelled Rotating Detonation Engines for Gas-Turbine Applications Scholarship?
This PhD allows you to work on cutting-edge propulsion technology that may transform future aerospace and power generation systems.
You gain experience in:
- Advanced CFD simulation of reacting flows
- High-performance computing (HPC)
- Spray combustion and multiphase flow modeling
- Real-world aerospace propulsion applications
You also collaborate with leading researchers in detonation physics and gas turbine engineering, including industry-linked research with Rolls-Royce.
Modelling of Liquid-Fuelled Rotating Detonation Engines for Gas-Turbine Applications Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Host University: University of Southampton
- Scholarship Name: Modelling of Liquid-Fuelled Rotating Detonation Engines for Gas-Turbine Applications
- Study Level: PhD (Doctoral Research)
- Funding Type: Fully funded studentship
- Duration: Up to 4 years
- Funding Coverage: Full tuition fees + enhanced stipend
- Research Field: CFD, propulsion, combustion, gas turbines, multiphase flow
- Selection Basis: Academic excellence and computational simulation skills
- Funding Partners: EPSRC Industrial Doctoral Landscape Award (IDLA) + Rolls-Royce Plc
- Application Requirement: Direct PhD application with supervisor contact
- Closing Date: 30 June 2026
Scholarship Benefits
This PhD studentship provides:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- A tax-free enhanced stipend for up to 4 years
- Training in advanced CFD and spray combustion modeling
- Access to high-performance computing infrastructure
- Collaboration with Rolls-Royce–linked research programs
- Development of next-generation gas turbine simulation tools
- Experience with AMROC adaptive detonation solvers
Eligibility Criteria
You qualify for this PhD if you:
- Hold a UK 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent
- Have a background in:
- Engineering
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Demonstrate experience in:
- Numerical modeling and simulation
- Programming in C/C++ or Fortran
- Know of:
- Fluid mechanics
- Combustion or multiphase flow (preferred)
- Meet English language requirements for postgraduate study
Required Documents
You must submit:
- Completed the University of Southampton PhD application form
- Academic CV
- Degree transcripts and certificates
- Two academic references
- English language test results (if required)
- Research proposal or statement of interest
- Supervisor contact confirmation (recommended)
Application Process & Timeline
You follow these steps:
- You apply for a PhD in Engineering & the Environment (or related engineering program).
- You select the project and contact the supervisor (Professor Ralf Deiterding).
- You prepare a CV, transcripts, and academic references.
- You submit your application through the university portal.
- The university evaluates your computational and academic background.
- Shortlisted candidates may attend interviews.
- Successful applicants receive a fully funded PhD offer.
