Optical studies of lubricant-related abnormal combustion in H2 ICE - EPSRC IDLA AWARD

Global growth is increasing world demands on energy, but society also demands that it be produced, delivered and used in new and better ways with fewer emissions for a low carbon future.

As a low-carbon fuel, hydrogen can be used in combustion engines to decarbonise tailpipe emissions from the transport and genset sectors. Many heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers are working on hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engines. However, in addition to offering great promise from an engine efficiency and environmental perspective, hydrogen internal combustion engines face significant challenges related to abnormal combustion, which can hinder their performance, reliability, and long-term viability. This project aims to investigate the mechanisms of lubricant-related abnormal combustion in these engines using advanced optical diagnostic techniques in a unique optical engine at Brunel. The aim is, through visualisation and instrumentation, to improve understanding of the phenomena in order to improve engine and lubricant design and contribute to accelerating the development of this technology space.

Eligibility

You will have or be expected to receive a 1st class or 2:1 honours degree in Engineering, Physics or a similar discipline. A Masters degree is not required but may be an advantage.

If applicable, you should hold an English Language proficiency qualification of or equivalent to an overall score of IELTS 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in all sections).

Experience in engine experiments and optical measurements will be an advantage. You should be highly motivated, able to work independently as well as in a team, collaborate with others and have effective communication skills.

Both UK (Home) and International students are eligible for this position.

How to apply

Please submit the documents below in a singular PDF file to both studentships@brunel.ac.uk and Xinyan.Wang@brunel.ac.uk by Noon on Friday 17 April 2026. Interviews will take place in Apr/May 2026.

  • Your up-to-date CV;
  • Your personal statement (300 to 500 words) summarising your background, skills and experience;
  • Your Undergraduate/Postgraduate Masters degree certificate(s) and transcript(s);
  • Your English language qualification, if appropriate;
  • Contact details for TWO referees, one of which can be a member of Brunel University academic staff.
  • Equal Opportunities

Meet the Supervisor(s)

Xinyan Wang - Xinyan Wang is currently a Professor at the Centre of Advanced Powertrain and Fuels, Brunel University London, UK. He was awarded the prestigious UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship  Programme in 2020. Prof. Wang is currently the member of the Peer Review College for the UKRI Talent Peer Review College, associate member of the Peer Review College for the UK Engineering and Natural Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), committee member of Hydrogen Europe Research (HER), committee member of UK Chinese Society of Automotive Engineering (UKCSAE), Senate member of Brunel University London, member of Brunel Hydrogen team. He is the Associate Principal Editor of Fuel (Elsevier), a member of the editorial board of the international journal Highlights of Vehicles, and a guest editor of MDPI Sustainability, Frontiers in Thermal Engineering and Frontiers in Energy Research. He is a member of BSI committee LBI/50 Fine Bubble Technology (FBT). His research interests include the research and development of novel fuels, low and zero carbon combustion engines.

Related Research Group(s)

Advanced Powertrain and Fuels

Advanced Powertrain and Fuels - We have particular strengths in improving the efficiency and reducing energy cost of existing engines through developing low temperature combustion processes and their controls and regenerative braking, as well as unique methodologies for the study of fuels and engines.