Research fellows
Research fellows
Guillaume Fournier
TU Munich
PhD project:
Time-Domain Impedance Boundary Conditions for LES of annular combustors
The idea is to link a state space model of combustor plenum acoustics via TDIBC to LES of annular combustor in order to significantly reduce computational cost.
Supervisor:
Wolfgang Polifke
Research interests:
LES, Thermo-acoustic, Acoustic networks, ROM, ITA modes, 1D models
Planned secondments:
CERFACS
SIEMENS
Personal interests:
Volleyball, trumpet, ski
Naman Purwar
TU Munich
PhD project:
Reduced-order state-space model for annular combustors
Application of model order reduction techniques to finite element models of the combustion dynamics perturbation equations to develop a reduced-order state-space model of annular combustor. Predictions of stability map and thermoacoustic eigenmodes with experimental results will be compared.
Supervisor:
Wolfgang Polifke
Research interests:
Combustion Instabilities, System Identification, Reduced-order Modelling, Machine Learning
Planned secondments:
ETH Zürich, University of Cambridge
Personal interests:
Music, Trekking
Thomas Indlekofer
NTNU
PhD project:
Experimental investigations of forced and self-excited azimuthal modes in atmospheric and pressurized annular combustors
The present experimental facilties at NTNU and the gathered competences in the field of experimental methods, laser diagnostics and flame transfer functions offer unique resources to contribute to the research objectives. Until very recently, with the introduction of experimental annular combustor rigs as the one of NTNU, azimuthal modes have not been studied in laboratory scale. Therefore, the physics of azimuthal modes was known mainly on the basis of limited experimental observations performed on real full turbines. This PhD-project will contribute to the understanding of the complex physics involved in the field of combustion instabilities by the execution of experimental measurements. The already existing single burner configuration and the annular combustor will be complemented by a new pressurized rig offering the possibility to compare the phenomena under different operating conditions. Coupled with state of the art measurement techniques these facilities will offer a comprehensive dataset permitting comparison with numerical tools and the development of new models to make a step forward in the prediction of combustion instabilities
Supervisor:
James Dawson
Research interests:
- Combustion
- Acoustics
- Turbulence
- Influence of turbulence on combustion instabilities
Planned secondments:
ETH Zuerich
CentraleSupélec Paris
Thomas Indlekofer Research Video
Personal interests:
Climbing, Bouldering, Mountaineering, Ice-Climbing, Running
Carlos Garcia Guillamon
Safran
PhD project:
Realistic spray prescription in Multi-Staged Fuel Injectors. Application to a Large Eddy Simulation of a cold start in relight conditions.
My PhD project involves the study of the fuel injection inside aeronautical combustors. In particular, my research focuses on the stability and primary atomization of fuel spray jets, and their effect in the ignition of the combustion chamber.
Supervisor:
Michel Cazalens
Research interests:
My research interests are combustion, two-phase flows, propulsion, numerical methods and Large Eddy Simulations.
Planned secondments:
CERFACS
Personal interests:
Reading, scuba diving, playing the guitar.
Abhijeet Sanjay Badhe
CERFACS
PhD project:
Reduced Order Modeling of Combustion Instabilities using Generalized Modal Expansion and State-Space Methods
The goal of the Ph.D. project is to develop theoretical and reduced-order acoustic network (ROM) models, that are capable of resolving the acoustic field in complex geometries. Will also involve some work with LES and numerical Helmholtz solvers. Application interest is to study combustion instabilities occuring in annular combustion chambers and to determine optimum passive control strategies.
Supervisor:
Thierry Poinsot
Research interests:
My research interests range over topics such as fundamental turbulent combustion, combustion dynamics and transient phenomenon like injection, ignition, extinction, flashback to alternative fuels, emissions, LES, High-Performance Computing etc.
Planned secondments:
TU Berlin and Safran Helicopter Engines
Personal interests:
Enjoy hiking, traveling, adventure sports, swimming, music, watching movies, and reading biographies and books on history and international politics.
Yi Hao Kwah
NTNU
PhD project:
The project focuses on the experimental investigation of strong mean azimuthal swirl on the ignition and extinction limits of a turbomeca annular combustion chamber developed by SAFH. Specific types of asymmetries that are important to real gas turbines will be studied, which include:
1) Circumferential variations of burner and flame properties which will result in different flame response.
2) Acoustic resonators placed at different locations of the annular chamber leading to circumferentially non-uniform damping, and azimuthal mean flow. A new annular rig at NTNU with choked exit flow will also be used to compare asymmetry effects on the modal response to their atmospheric annular rig.
Supervisor:
James Dawson
Research interests:
My research interests are flame dynamics and acoustic instabilities.
Planned secondments:
Safran Helicopter Engines
Personal interests:
Photography.
Roberto Ciardiello
University of Cambridge
PhD project:
Experimental investigation into Ignition and Lean Extinction
Main focus of the project is the study of transient phenomena in an annular combustor. Ignition, Lightround and Lean Blow-Off (LBO) will be assessed by means of experimental techniques (Chemiluminescence, OH-PLIF, PIV), trying to capture flame structure and the effect of flame-to-flame interactions on these processes. Premixed, Non-Premixed and Spray flame will be investigated.
Supervisor:
Nondas Mastorakos
Research interests:
My research interests are currently related to the world of combustion. I focus my attention on turbulent flames and flame interactions in multiple burners configurations. I am gaining experience on Laser diagnostics, namely OH-PLIF, PIV, LDA, High Speed imaging and pressure measurements. Eventually I aim to be able to carry out experiments with different conditions and employing different fuels, from gaseous premixed mixtures to sprays.
Planned secondments:
CNRS, Paris, France
NTNU, Trondheim, Norway
Rolls Royce, Derby, United Kingdom
Personal interests:
I am a very curious person. In my free time I like reading, playing video games, and challenging myself solving riddles and puzzles. I enjoy traveling, especially with my girlfriend, exploring new places and discovering new cultures.
Javier Crespo Anadon
Safran Helicopter Engines
PhD project:
Numerical Simulation of Ignition in Combustion Chambers with Strong Azimuthal Flow
Engine relighting at high altitude is a critical safety criterion for engine certification, yet very little is understood about the mechanisms which control these processes. Besides, rapid ignition will be required for hybrid-electric propulsion. Safran Helicopter Engines has recently developed a combustor featuring strong azimuthal swirl which allows for improved ignition and blow-off capabilities. The subject of this thesis is to identify key mechanisms that govern altitude re-light and blow-off processes in this technology. Large-Eddy Simulations incorporating detailed chemistry effects will be coupled to recently developed ignition models, and employed in multi-sector combustion domains. Progress will be continued on biphasic flame modelling. Results will be compared to academic test beds and Safran’s engine data.
Supervisor:
Stephane Richard
Research interests:
More efficient environment-friendly energy and propulsion technology
-Numerical simulation of multiphase reacting flows
-Thermoacoustics
-Numerical algorithms
-Analytical methods, reduced-order models
-Experiments in fluids
-High speed flows
-Turbomachinery
Planned secondments:
Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Personal interests:
Sports, reading, volunteering, cinema and languages.
Stefano Falco
University of Cambridge
PhD project:
Adjoint sensitivity analysis of thermoacoustic oscillations in annular combustors
Derive the adjoint equations of Helmholtz solvers with distributed heat release and acoustic impedance boundary conditions and validate with finite difference calculations. Implement the adjoint equations in an existing 3D Helmholtz solver (AVSP).
Supervisor:
Matthew Juniper
Research interests:
Thermoacoustic instabilities, finite element method, adjoint-based methods, sensitivity analysis, shape optimization
Planned secondments:
CERFACS and ETHZ
Personal interests:
Socializing, doing sports, listening to music and clubbing (underground electronic dance music enthusiast), reading books.
Francesco Gant
Ansaldo Energia Switzerland
PhD project:
Annular reheat flame characterization and modelling
Efficient, ultra-low emission gas turbines are key to meet the global challenges of reliable energy production and minimum environmental impact of power generation. For accomplishing this goal, the reheat combustion principle is best suited. Alstom Power was the pioneer for reheat gas turbines and after acquiring the latest reheat technology from Alstom, Ansaldo Energia is now continuing to be at the forefront of reheat engines. The proposed work should integrate theoretical modelling, CFD analysis and experimental measurements in order to improve the understanding of reheat flames thermoacoustics and, ultimately, facilitate the design and optimization of these machines.
Supervisor:
Mirko Bothien
Research interests:
My research focuses on thermoacoustics, combustion and fluid dynamics modelling.
Planned secondments:
NTNU (Trondheim)
ETH (Zurich)
Personal interests:
In my free time I enjoy hiking, running, traveling and learning languages.
Karl Töpperwien
Laboratory EM2C/CNRS
PhD project:
Numerical simulation of combustion instabilities and ignition in annular combustion chambers
The research project focusses on large eddy simulations of combustion dynamics in annular combustion chambers. In particular, the impact of the wall heat transfer on ignition and the light-round process will be examined. Two-phase modelling capabilities will be gradually enhanced and validated to accurately capture the liquid spray characteristics such as particle motion and vaporization. The interaction of the flame with turbulent flows and the transient evolution of the flame will be assessed using different combustion models (Thickened Flame Approach and Filtered Tabulated Chemistry Model). Simulation results will be validated against experimental data of swirled laboratory-scale single injector and multi-injector annular combustors to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms of ignition and light-round under realistic boundary conditions in aeroengines.
Supervisor:
Ronan Vicquelin
Research interests:
Gas turbine engines, clean power generation, numerical simulation, ignition, combustion modeling, two-phase modeling, thermo-acoustics
Planned secondments:
Safran Aircraft Engines
Personal interests:
Fencing, piano, discovering French art and food, enjoying night life in Paris
Ermanno Lo Schiavo
CERFACS
PhD project:
Large Eddy Simulation of Thermoacoustic instabilities in Annular Combustion Chambers
The aim is to study thermoacoustic instabilities registered in real, well instrumented, laboratory scale combustors via Large Eddy Simulations. The accurate numerical prediction of the flow unsteadiness includingthe correct formulation of boundary conditions and the modelling involved is a crucial issue of the PhD.
Supervisor:
Thierry Poinsot
Research interests:
Thermoacoustic instabilities, Combustion, LES, Two-phase Flows
Abel Faure Beaulieu
ETHZ
PhD project:
Thermoacoustic modes in annular combustion chambers
Theoretical and experimental study of the dynamics of the azimuthal acoustic modes in an annular chamber, in a noisy environment. The experiments are mainly conducted on a aeroacoustic configuration.
Supervisor:
Nicolas Noiray
Research interests:
I am interested by aerospace engineering in general, and especially by the studies aiming at achieving cleaner civil airplanes in the future.
Planned secondments:
NTNU, Trondheim (Norway)
Safran Helicopter Engines, Pau (France)
Personal interests:
Playing piano and trumpet.
Preethi Rajendram Soundararajan
EM2C, CNRS
PhD project:
Experimental investigations on combustion instabilities and ignition in an annular combustor
The work will primarily involve investigating how premixed and liquid fuel injectors affect: (A) the nature of combustion instabilities and (B) the ignition and light-round process in the MICCA annular combustor. The experimental dataset will include statistical and time-resolved measurements of the flame during various stages of ignition, light-round time-scales, and the effect of fuel injection mode on the various stages of ignition. Further analysis of the data will identify the different coupling mechanisms leading to combustion dynamics and resonant coupling with rotating and standing azimuthal modes. Measurements of Flame Describing Functions (FDF) and of the response of individual injectors will complete the analysis of the combustor stability.
Supervisor:
Antoine Renaud and Sebastien Candel
Research interests:
Combustion, instabilities, and ignition studies
Personal interests:
Reading, running, swimming, star gazing
Sylvain Clément Humbert
TU Berlin
PhD project:
Fundamental study of thermoacoustic phenomena in an annular model system with electro-acoustic feedback
The project aims to study experimentally thermoacoustic phenomena in a generic annular surrogate system where the flame response to acoustic perturbations is simulated with electro-acoustic feedback. Fundamental studies will allow to assess experimentally the effect of several parameters (circumferential flame response staging, downstream boundary conditions, noise, mean azimuthal flow component) on thermoacoustic instabilities. The last part of this project will aim and validate methods for maximum damping of azimuthal modes using flame response staging.
Supervisor:
Oliver Paschereit
Research interests:
Graduated with a Master in Fluid Mechanics, with a Master thesis about heat transfer modelling and CFD, I worked in the automobile industry, first as a Product Development Engineer on turbochargers and then as a Project Manager on the design and set up of a test rig for heat exchangers. As there no innovation in industry without research, I decided to pursue a PhD. My current research are applied in the field of gas turbines and focus on thermoacoustic instabilities, in annular combustors with an emphazis on symmetry breaking.
Planned secondments:
The first secondment should be in ETHZ about the stochastic analysis of the annular system.
The second one should be in Siemens about the simulation of flame response staging.
Personal interests:
In my spare time I like doing sport, especially tennis.