The University of Edinburgh and University College London are inviting applications for two PhD positions in the area of fire toxicity and pyrolysis chemistry.
The majority of fire deaths in the UK are associated to exposure to toxic species present in smoke. However, quantifying this problem touches on many of the most challenging areas of fire science and engineering: pyrolysis chemistry, fire dynamics, underventilated combustion and smoke transport.
Understanding the formation of combustion-related fire products is a key element in defining the hazards associated with smoke during the design of buildings (e.g. material selection, ventilation, smoke system design) and also in developing the next generation of models required to understand the burning behaviour of solid materials. This is a complex problem with wide ranging implications in the design and development of materials, regulation and fundamental fire science.
The positions will explore this problem through the use of multi-scale experiments, with a focus on integrating advanced diagnostics, and numerically through the development of numerical tools. The aim is to understand the effects of material composition and the combustion environment on the generation of species in a fire and to couple this with smoke transport models to evaluate the impacts on building occupants.
The two positions will be available through the University of Edinburgh with one based primarily at University College London. The supervision will be provided jointly by Dr Rory Hadden (Edinburgh) and Prof. José Torero (UCL). Successful applicants will benefit from working in established, highly successful fire science research groups with strong links to fundamental fire science and engineering practice. It is expected that the studentships will work closely, though independently, on different aspects of this problem in line with the strengths of each candidate.
Applications are welcome from students with backgrounds in chemistry, chemical physics, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, toxicology, physics or applied mathematics.
For more information, please contact Dr Rory Hadden (r.hadden@ed.ac.uk).
Further Information:
The University of Edinburgh is committed to equality of opportunity for all its staff and students, and promotes a culture of inclusivity. Please see details here: https://www.ed.ac.uk/equality-diversity
Closing Date:
Principal Supervisor:
Assistant Supervisor:
Prof Jose Torero
Eligibility:
Minimum entry qualification - an Honours degree at 2:1 or above (or International equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering discipline, possibly supported by an MSc Degree. Further information on English language requirements for EU/Overseas applicants.
Applications are welcome from students with backgrounds in chemistry, chemical physics, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, toxicology, physics or applied mathematics.
Funding:
Tuition fees + stipend are available for Home/EU students (International students can apply, but the funding only covers the Home/EU fee rate).
