Description of the thesis topic

This PhD project will investigate the stabilization mechanisms of hydrogen-fueled swirled flames through advanced experiments. The aim is to deepen our physical understanding of flame stabilization in modular, multi-regime injectors and to generate high-quality data for the development and validation of turbulent combustion models. Particular attention will be given to providing a well-characterized experimental reference case for numerical simulation and model benchmarking.

The primary host institution is Université Paris-Saclay (UPS), via the EM2C Laboratory, a CNRS research unit located at CentraleSupélec. TU Darmstadt (TUD) will act as co-host. The research will be supervised by Dr. Clément Mirat (UPS), Dr. Antoine Renaud (UPS), Prof. Ronan Vicquelin (UPS), and Prof. Andreas Dreizler (TUD).

The work will focus on the newly developed TrHyTon tri-coaxial injector. This modular injector ([1], see figure) enables control over momentum flux, partial premixing and swirl in all three channels, allowing for compact flame stabilization and low NOx emissions. The PhD candidate will explore a broad range of operating parameters to identify regimes that ensure both flame stability and low pollutant emissions. Machine learning techniques have recently shown promise for Design of Experiments (DoE) and interpretation of large datasets, and may be integrated into this study.

A reduced set of operating conditions will be selected to represent several flame archetypes of interest. These conditions will be investigated in detail using laser diagnostics, including:
Flow visualization via Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV)
Flame structure imaging via OH Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence (PLIF)
Wall temperature measurements via Laser-Induced Phosphorescence (LIP)

Additional diagnostics—potentially in collaboration with TUD—or complementary numerical simulations may be used to support the physical analysis of the turbulent flame structures.

Work Context

The EM2C laboratory is a CNRS research unit located at CentraleSupélec, within the University of Paris-Saclay. It combines high-level academic research with applied studies in partnership with leading companies and research centers in the fields of transportation and energy. Its experimental and numerical modeling activities focus on various complex and multiphysical flows, including turbulence, two-phase flows, combustion, and thermoacoustics. Research topics cover a broad spectrum, ranging from fundamental and theoretical questions to semi-industrial applications.

DESIRE Project :

Climate change and energy security are driving an urgent transition away from fossil fuels. Yet, many industrial and transport applications still rely on combustion due to their need for high energy densities and thermal processes. Electrofuels (e-fuels), produced from renewable electricity and sustainable feedstocks, represent a promising solution, enabling deep decarbonization.
DESIRE is a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Doctoral Network aiming to train 15 PhD researchers in the efficient and clean use of renewable synthetic fuels. Candidates will develop advanced skills in combustion science, chemical kinetics, and digital modeling. Each PhD will lead to a double degree awarded by two partner universities, preparing graduates to become leaders in Europe's energy transition.

The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival is authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.