The health effects of fine, non-volatile particulate matter, and precursor aromatic species, generated by engines and furnaces are increasingly well known and have been the subject of considerable public interest in recent years. Likewise, there is increasing awareness of the potential role of particulate emissions in influencing climate change. Perhaps surprisingly, the mechanisms underlying the formation of soot are not currently well understood. The effect of hydrogen on soot formation is a focus of attention for this project since some fuel-flexible future energy strategies involve blending hydrogen with conventional fuel such as natural gas (or biogas). This necessitates control of emissions of soot and aromatics for fuel blends. Understanding the effect of hydrogen addition may also help to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of soot formation more generally. The technique to be used, laser-induced incandescence (LII), involves heating the soot in a flame or exhaust using a short-pulse laser and imaging the resulting emissions using a short-gated ICCD. The complementary technique of laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) will be used for imaging of aromatic species, temperature, and other intermediate species radicals. The requested studentship is related the LITECS EPSRC Programme Grant. Our role in LITECS is in underpinning the development of measurement systems for particulate imaging in industrial gas turbine combustor test rigs.In addition to undertaking cutting edge research, students are also registered for the Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Development (PGCert), which is a supplementary qualification that develops a student’s skills, networks and career prospects.Information about the host department can be found by visiting: Funding covers full Home fees for the year duration of the project, and an annual stipend for living costs. Students applying should have (or expect to achieve) a minimum undergraduate degree in a relevant engineering or science discipline, and be highly motivated to undertake multidisciplinary research.Supervisor: Dr Iain Burns - Offer Requirements REQUIRED EDUCATION LEVEL Engineering: Bachelor Degree or equivalent Skills/QualificationsStudents applying should have (or expect to achieve) a minimum undergraduate degree in a relevant engineering or science discipline, and be highly motivated to undertake multidisciplinary research.