🌏 About this Research Field:
High-pressure flow boiling is a critical phenomenon in nuclear engineering that studies how water behaves when it boils under extreme pressure conditions inside nuclear reactors. Understanding Critical Heat Flux (CHF) is essential for nuclear reactor safety, as it represents the maximum heat that can be transferred before the cooling system fails. This research combines advanced optical diagnostics with experimental investigations to improve our understanding of how water-based nuclear reactors can operate more safely and efficiently. The findings will help engineers design better cooling systems and establish more accurate safety margins for next-generation nuclear power plants.
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🎯 PhD Position Overview:
✅ Funding: Fully funded for UK students (tuition fees + stipend)
✅ Stipend Amount: £22,027 for first year, increasing by minimum £1,300 annually
✅ Duration: 4 years full-time
✅ Location: Loughborough, United Kingdom
✅ Start Date: April 2026
📅 Application Deadline: 15 February 2025
✅ Requirements:
➢ First-class or high 2:1 honours degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline
➢ Master’s degree or research experience in experimental/analytical multiphase thermofluids (advantageous but not essential)
➢ Meet English language requirements
✅ Application Documents Required:
➢ Personal statement
➢ Up-to-date CV
➢ Details of two referees (one from highest degree qualification)
➢ Certified certificates and transcripts for all completed degrees
➢ Reference to project ‘FP-HZ-2025/2’
➢ Research proposal (optional but may strengthen application)
✅ Additional Benefits:
➢ Minimum 3 months research placement at Rolls-Royce
➢ Joint supervision from Rolls-Royce expert
➢ Tax-free stipend
➢ Only available to UK fee-eligible students due to funding restrictions
🔗 Apply Here: Loughborough University Application Portal
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📝 Step-by-Step Application Guide:
1️⃣ Prepare Your Documents
➢ Gather your academic certificates and transcripts
➢ Prepare a comprehensive CV
➢ Write a personal statement explaining your interest and suitability
➢ Identify two referees (ensure one is from your highest degree)
➢ (Optional) Draft a research proposal
2️⃣ Contact the Supervisor
➢ Email Dr Huayong Zhao (h.zhao2@lboro.ac.uk) to discuss your interest and suitability
➢ Ask any questions about the project
3️⃣ Complete Online Application
➢ Visit the application portal
➢ Under ‘Campus’, select ‘Loughborough’
➢ Under ‘Programme’, select ‘Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering’
➢ In the ‘Finance’ section, quote reference number ‘FP-HZ-2025/2’
4️⃣ Submit Before Deadline
➢ Ensure all documents are uploaded
➢ Submit before 15 February 2025
➢ Note: Early application is strongly encouraged as interviews may be conducted before the closing date
5️⃣ Wait for Response
➢ Incomplete applications after deadline may not be considered
➢ University may withdraw the advert ahead of closing date if suitable candidate is found
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📧 Contact Information:
Email: h.zhao2@lboro.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)1509 227530
🌐 Official Page: View Full Details
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