About the Opportunity

This cutting-edge research project, funded by the United States Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), aims to address critical knowledge gaps in the use of alternative propellants such as ammonia, water, and CO₂ for satellite operations. This studentship provides an exciting opportunity to contribute to the field of electric spacecraft propulsion, particularly in assessing the feasibility and performance of molecular propellants for RF electrothermal systems. With a focus on novel, abundant, and storage-dense propellant solutions, the project also explores the potential for In-Situ Resource Utilisation (ISRU), enabling spacecraft to refuel directly from cometary or asteroid-based resources.

Your Responsibilities

As a PhD candidate, you will:

• Develop Numerical Models: Create and refine numerical models using the 2D fluid/Monte-Carlo Hybrid Plasma Equipment Model (HPEM) to evaluate thruster performance.
• Investigate Alternative Propellants: Examine the viability of ammonia, water, and nitrogen-based propellants and their interactions with RF-driven plasmas.
• Explore Off-World Refueling: Assess the practicality of refueling spacecraft using off-world resources containing CO₂ and H₂O impurities.
• Advance Plasma Science: Investigate how vibrationally excited molecular species interact with magnetised control techniques, contributing to fundamental plasma science and applied materials processing.
• Disseminate Findings: Present your results at national and international conferences, as well as contribute to peer-reviewed publications.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Educational Background: Hold a Master’s degree or first-class honours degree in Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Technical Skills: Demonstrated proficiency in computational modelling, large-scale data analysis, and familiarity with FORTRAN or similar low-level programming languages.
• Desirable Experience: Prior knowledge of plasma diagnostic techniques, fluid/kinetic numerical modelling, or working with RF-driven plasmas is advantageous but not mandatory.

What We Offer

• Stipend: Annual stipend of £19,237 (2024/2025).
• Tuition Fee Coverage: Covers tuition fees at the Home/UK rate.
• Research Budget: Funding available for conferences and research dissemination.
• International Fee Support: US nationals receive an international fee waiver. Non-UK applicants are required to cover the difference between Home/UK and international fees (~£22,300 annually).

Application Process

To apply:

1. Submit Your Application Online: Complete your application at university website.
2. Include the Project Title and Supervisor: Clearly state the project title, “Propellant Ambiguity for RF Plasma Micro-Propulsion (AMBI-RF),” and lead supervisor, Dr. Scott Doyle.
3. Required Documents:
   • Personal statement outlining your motivation and relevant skills.
   • Up-to-date academic CV.
   • Copies of academic certificates and transcripts.
4. No Research Proposal Needed: A detailed research proposal is not required for this application.