Development of a LES combustion model for NH3/H2/air flames accounting for preferential diffusion and high Karlovitz regime coupled to a multicomponent Real Fluid Model (RFM)

Join a cutting-edge European research network!
As part of the MSCA-DN DT-HATS project, this PhD study addresses a high-impact challenge: developing a next-generation simulation framework for hydrogen/ammonia (H₂/NH₃) dual-fuel combustion, two key energy carriers in the path toward carbon neutrality.
You will join the internationally renowned research and innovation Center IFP Energies Nouvelles and collaborate closely with leading European academic and industrial partners. Building on another study, which develops a deep-learning-based thermodynamic model (RFM-DAL) capable of providing runtime properties, the present study involves coupling a state-of-the-art combustion model (ECFM-HK), accounting for thermo-diffusive instabilities, with a real-fluid thermodynamic framework (RFM-DAL) to simulate complex injection and flame dynamics under engine-relevant conditions.
Simulation steps will progress from 1D laminar flames to high-fidelity DNS databases, before addressing LES of experimental dual-fuel injection and combustion cases from the PRISME lab (University of Orléans). You will use the CONVERGE CFD software, enriched with advanced in-house models.
To work at the forefront of energy transition technologies, develop in-demand skills (AI, CFD, combustion), and join a prestigious international training network. A perfect launchpad for a career in industrial R&D or academic research. The work will yield significant recognition through scientific publications, participation in international conferences, and collaborations within academic and industrial communities.
Keywords: Combustion, Numerical Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Ammonia, Hydrogen, real fluid injection.

Recruitment requirement within the European project rules: the candidate must have not lived in France for more than 12 months over the last 36 months

• Academic supervisor    Dr Olivier COLIN, IFPEN, Laboratoire, ORCID : 0000-0002-8947-3490
• Doctoral School    École Doctorale « SMEMAG » ED579 (Université Paris Saclay)
• IFPEN supervisor Dr TRUFFIN Karine, ORCID: 0000-0003-0888-9003
• PhD location    IFP Energies Nouvelles, Rueil-Malmaison, France and 4 months secondment at PRISME lab, Orleans, France
• Duration and start date    3 years, starting preferentially in the fourth quarter 2025. 
• Employer    IFPEN
• Academic requirements    University Master degree involving CFD, physics and/or numerical modelling
• Language requirements    English level B2 (CEFR); willingness to learn French
• Other requirements    Programming skills (Python, C++)

To apply, please send your cover letter and CV to the IFPEN supervisor indicated here below.