Dataset "Vessel Charging Optimisation"

In this project, a novel multi-vessel charging optimisation platform will be developed by considering the practical limitations of the power grid and stop time of the vessels at the port. Having such an optimisation platform enables us to move quicker towards the maritime decarbonisation targets by avoiding significant changes in infrastructures.Department for TransportConnected Places Catapul

Experimental study and evaluation of the performance of single phase flow meters in wet gas flows

Simms, Nigel J. - Associate SupervisorWet gas, a mixture of gas and small liquid fractions, poses significant challenges for accurate flow measurement, which is critical in the energy, chemical, and power industries. While Coriolis meters are widely used, their application in wet gas environments faces limitations, including significant over-reading (OR) and a lack of optimal installation guidelines. These issues are believed to be part of a fundamental question: how are the meter behaviours affected by multiphase flow dynamics, such as flow patterns, flow conditions, and phase distributions? This research evaluates the performance of three Coriolis meters in vertical and horizontal 2” pipelines using air, water, and oil to simulate wet gas conditions. Various sensor orientations (0°, 40°, 90°, and 180°) were tested in the horizontal pipeline, with 40° and 90° proposed as novel configurations. The experiments generated a new dataset, enabling detailed analysis of Coriolis behaviour under wet gas conditions. A novel wet gas model was developed based on internal Coriolis parameters, demonstrating robustness and predictive accuracy. The 40° orientation was identified as optimal for horizontal wet gas flow, minimising OR and improving measurement precision. Further investigations revealed the significant influence of flow patterns, with slug flow causing the greatest deviations. A novel correlation was established between the damping factor, XLM , and total mass flow rate, enabling the accurate prediction of gas and liquid flow rates. In high Froude number and annular flow conditions, the model achieved Mean Absolute Percentage Errors (MAPE) of 3.9% for gas flow rate and 4.3% for liquid flow rate, with an uncertainty of 2.7%. The study also innovatively employed the damping factor to estimate liquid holdup, validated against conductance ring measurements. In vertical annular flow, a robust correlation was established between the damping factor and liquid holdup (!), achieving percentage errors below ±10% at higher gas flow rates. This dual functionality—simultaneously measuring flow rates and void fraction with a single-phase meter—represents a significant advancement for reducing equipment needs and enhancing efficiency. For the first time, frequency data were extracted to characterize the medium, introducing a "distance" parameter from frequency waveform signals. Combined with damping factor data, this enabled a medium detection index with classification accuracy exceeding 98%.PhD in Energy and Powe

High speed aerodynamics and flow control using porous plates

MacManus, David G. - Associate SupervisorThe integrated design of supersonic intakes and flow control systems is critical for stable aero-engine operation across various flight conditions. Porous bleed systems play a key role in mitigating shock wave-boundary layer interactions, improving intake efficiency and stability range by removing the low-momentum portion of the incoming boundary layers. However, accurately simulating intakes with fully resolved bleed systems using computational fluid dynamics is costly, and existing porous wall models often lack the complexity to capture the intricate physics of bleed flows, limiting their predictive accuracy. This research aims to enhance the aerodynamic understanding of porous plates with 90-degree bleed holes and to develop a refined porous wall model. Steady-state simulations were used to analyse porous plates under varying conditions, including different domain geometries, shock positions, and operating regimes. Using the computational database generated from these simulations, a model using local performance characteristics of individual bleed holes was developed. Additionally, a surface model was formulated to account for the flow field at the inflow of each bleed hole, enabling the computation of features such as capture streamtubes, shock topologies, and separation patterns. The proposed porous wall model was implemented in ANSYS CFX using MATLAB and benchmarked against existing approaches from the literature. The results of this comparison demonstrate major improvements over existing porous wall models, particularly during choked suction and within shock-affected regions. By incorporating discrete bleed actuation regions, local performance metrics, and accurate flow profiles at each hole, the proposed bleed model recreates the results of the simulation campaign and addresses major limitations of existing models, improving their flowfield predictions by a 13.5% on average.PhD in Aerospac

An investigation of a novel monolithic nickel-based catalyst for clean hydrogen production

Nabavi, Seyed A. - Associate Supervisor Wagland, Stuart T. - Associate SupervisorThe decarbonisation of the energy sector can anticipate the future of net zero, and hydrogen is currently one of the most promising energy carriers to contribute to this goal. As for hydrogen production, steam methane reforming (SMR) occupies the predominant status and will remain in its position in the short term. The SMR process requires high-performance catalysts such as nickel-based catalysts, and carbon capture technology is of interest to decarbonise the SMR to produce clean hydrogen. The overall aim of the PhD project is to develop a novel monolithic nickel-based catalyst and evaluate its performance under SMR and sorbent-enhanced SMR (SE-SMR) conditions. The literature review looked back on the ceramic materials used in the SMR and SE-SMR processes, and also the method to prepare nickel-based catalysts. Silicon carbide was chosen as the support material due to its excellent thermal and mechanical properties. The monolithic nickel-based catalysts were designed, synthesised, characterised and tested in a fixed-bed reactor, in which the main reactor pipe and the steam generator were designed and constructed for this project. In addition, a pulse injection system was designed and installed on the reactor, and the SMR kinetics were studied using the monolithic catalysts. After the integration of the solid sorbents, a further study was conducted on the effect of structure within the SE-SMR process using the monolithic catalysts. The monolithic catalysts exhibited excellent activity at low SMR temperatures and pressures with a realistic gas space velocity. A kinetic model was established to describe the reaction rates using a novel and time-saving approach. The mass transfer limitations led to a low activation energy in kinetics and a reduction in activity when sorbents were applied. The monolithic catalysts will be a strong candidate for the decarbonisation of the energy sectors, with further improvement of its long-term stability and coordination with appropriate sorbents.PhD in Energy and Powe

Geosynchronous synthetic aperture radar performance estimation and mission design

Geosynchronous Synthetic Aperture Radar (GeoSAR) missions have attracted growing interest in the scientific community thanks to their unique capability in terms of persistent coverage and temporal resolution. Despite this, no mission has flown yet and there are some uncertainties concerning the technical feasibility of such missions (in the case of high orbit inclination concept) and the achievable performance (in the case of a low inclination and low eccentricity concept). For the purpose of developing a general Performance Estimation Methodology, the need for a new clutter model arose, because the existing clutter models are not sufficient for the GeoSAR missions studied in Europe. The Billingsley clutter model and the Borealscat clutter model have been developed using an integration time which is much shorter than the typical GeoSTARe or Hydroterra ones. Moreover, these two clutter models have been developed for forests (which accounts for almost 36% of Europe’s landcover according to Eurostat) and the main landcover class, which is agriculture, is around the 39% of the total. Since wind-driven motion of vegetation is the main source of clutter power over land. A direct physics-based simulator has been developed for short vegetation using a database of wheat plant motion in a variety of wind conditions. The output of this simulator was the moving target focused signal, which has been used to create the wheat clutter model. The development of this wheat clutter model (specific for medium-high incidence angles) required a specific GeoSAR clutter simulator (developed in C++). The simulated focused signals have been fitted using clutter power models available in literature (expo- nential clutter model and power law clutter model); a comparison of the exponential model and the power law clutter power model has been performed. The power law clutter model gave a better fit to the wheat data. A Signal to Clutter Ratio (SCR) simulator has been developed using the clutter model to assess the azimuth spread of clutter power and hence to estimate SCR in representative landscapes. With the help of a Bistatic Simulator developed during this thesis, a new Single Input Multiple Output mission concept has been proposed (a single monostatic SAR and two passive bistatic receivers on other two platforms). From the study of the wheat clutter dependence on windspeed a new land scatterometer mission concept (peculiar of low azimuth speed Geosynchronous SAR missions) is suggested (to measure the windspeed at a much higher spatial and temporal resolution than current systems). The road to an End-to-End performance simulator is still long but some interesting steps have been done and the capabilities of the Performance Estimation Methodology have been shown. Further work is needed to develop similar clutter models for tall vegetation and the ocean (existing results are available for both of these), and then to combine these with realistic models of landcover and weather (including seasonal changes) to enable comprehensive end-to-end GeoSAR performance simulation. The source code of the simulators are available in the appendices together with the requirements discussion.PhD in Aerospac

The influence of environment on lifetime decay and structure evolution of thermal history paint

Endrino, José L. - Associate SupervisorIn this work, the influence of environmental factors, including atmosphere compositions, substrate materials and exposure durations, on the lifetime decay and the material structural evolution of a temperature sensor for combustion environment, Thermal History Paint (THP), is investigated. Heat treatments from 700 °C to 900 °C for 2 hours and 20 hours were conducted on THP samples with sapphire/metal substrates. The luminescence Lifetime Decay (LTD) of THP was measured with a specially made benchtop instrument. Luminescence spectroscopy, photography, FTIR, XRD, DSC and SEM/EDS/FIB were used to characterize the material structural evolution of THP. The results showed that THP on sapphire samples can maintain temperature measurement capability (a monotonic LTD increase with temperature) for 2 h exposures when heated in atmosphere with elevated H₂O and/or CO₂ concentrations and the simulated combustion atmospheres of a natural gas turbocharger and a gasoline engine. A specific set of calibration data need to be established for each atmospheric condition to achieve the optimised accuracy. The LTD calibration curve moves to low temperature range with elevated H₂O or H₂O + CO₂ level or longer exposures, which generally leads to higher LTD readings. A concept of nano-sized luminescent Y based crystals/crystal nucleus doped with Eu³⁺ evenly embedded in the amorphous potassium silicate binder is established as the true functional structure of THP. Contaminants from atmosphere and metal substrates can take potassium away from THP, leading to the breakdown of THP functional structure, of which the process is investigated thoroughly.Embargo required for 09-08-2028 - system only goes up to June 2028!PhD in Manufacturin

A KPIs framework for minimising environmental impacts from chemical manufacturing processes: the case of Saudi Arabia

Salonitis, Konstantinos - Associate SupervisorThe goal of this study was to create a complete framework to make Saudi Arabia's chemical industry more environmentally friendly by focusing on emissions, pollutants, and resource use. A mixed research approach was utilized, encompassing a systematic literature review, surveys, and case studies. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to investigate quantitative data, while Non-Versioned Information, Versatile Outcomes (NVIVO) was applied to look at qualitative data from interviews to make sure we had many different types of data. finding Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), measuring and analyzing them, judging performance, and making things better all the time. Results showed that there were big gaps in efforts to cut emissions, and that the average performance in resource use was below industry standards. The use of SPSS analysis showed that KPI performance was statistically different between organizations. NVIVO, on the other hand, helped find important qualitative insights about the problems that organizations face when trying to implement sustainable practices. The tiered rating system was used to rank organizations, and those that had emissions and energy use below the baseline were given specific plans to help them do better. The study found that chemical organizations could cut emissions by 15% and improve resource efficiency by 10% in just two years by using this framework. This would help them meet both regulatory and sustainability goals.PhD in Manufacturin

Assessing the performance of in-cylinder fuel injection for motorsport applications using spray visualisation and 3D simulation

Brighton, James L. - Associate SupervisorThe development of the next generation Formula One (F1) power unit (PU) is constrained by stringent resource limitations set by the Federation International de l’Automobile (FIA). Fuel injector performance is crucial for facilitating reliable ultra-lean combustion and thus achieving greater break thermal efficiencies (BTEs) for a significant competitive edge. The main challenges in developing an in-cylinder fuel injection strategy for an F1 internal combustion engine (ICE) is firstly the narrow 4 ? time window for injection, evaporation, and homogeneous mixing, and secondly the generation of liquid film on the combustion chamber surfaces. Both of which are significant for maximising the fuel conversion efficiency, and therefore delivering a competitive next generation F1 ICE. A multi-hole fuel injector was tested in a constant volume quiescent chamber (CVQC) by a third party at F1 ICE relevant test conditions and an array of tools were developed in this research to process the results. The Spray Metrics Tool, Spatial Density Analysis Tool, and Phase Doppler Particle Analysis (PDPA) experiment enabled an extensive assessment of the injector performance in relation to the success metrics of an F1 ICE injector. Success in characterising performance is the ability to have all the fuel in vapor form in sufficient time before combustion and to minimise liquid wall film generation from spray impingement. The results from the CVQC test were used to correlate the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) predictions in the search for an optimal trade-off between computational efficiency and degree of experimental correlation. Future injector designs and injection strategies could then be assessed in an ICE CFD simulation and a number of which result in the highest predicted BTEs would be produced.MSc by Research in Transport System

Chemical diversity of Moroccan medicinal and aromatic plants and their potential for agricultural bioproducts

Terry, Leon A. - Associate Supervisor Beale, Mike H. - Associate Supervisor Sobeh, Mansour - Associate SupervisorBiostimulants and bioprotectants (bioproducts) have been recognised as potential alternatives to synthetic agrochemicals, or as substances that could enhance their use efficiency. Extracts from medicinal and aromatic plants, and their constituent secondary metabolites are major sources of bioproducts. In arid areas of Morocco, medicinal and aromatic plants are abundant and potentially contain rich and unique metabolites, but they have not been widely assessed for their chemical composition as well as biostimulant and bioprotectant potential. In this work, phytochemical profiling of nine medicinal and aromatic plants from Morocco was undertaken. The first report on the chemical profile of Vachellia gummifera including the distribution of metabolites between its leaves and stems is presented. Additionally, this work presents arguably the most comprehensive report on the chemical profile of polar extracts from Ammodaucus leucotrichus that includes five previously undescribed compounds comprising two terpenoids and three lignans, in addition to 39 compounds that are reported from the plant for the first time. The novel compound, 8-(1H-indol-3-yl-methyl)rutin, which is a methylene bridged 1H-indole- flavonoid glycoside conjugate is also reported from the polar leaf extract of Capparis spinosa. Biostimulant assessments using a seed soaking treatment revealed only minor positive effects as most polar extracts showed no significant stimulation of wheat growth. Significant phytotoxicity was however shown with extracts of Peganum harmala and C. spinosa. These inhibited the emergence and growth of wheat seedlings, with more potent activity being observed with C. spinosa. This phytotoxicity could be beneficially exploited in the development of bioherbicides. Bioprotectant assessments through antifungal tests on pathogens relevant to major African crops did not produce any significant results for extracts of all the plant species. The link between chemical profiling and bioactivity, the beneficial exploitation of phytotoxicity, and the key challenges for implementing bioactive extracts on a large scale are discussed.PhD in Environment and Agrifoo

Digital transformation frameworks for food supply chains

Aktas, Emel - Associate SupervisorFood supply chains (FSCs) face various challenges due to diverse ongoing global events, leading to increasing concerns and a growing need for technological innovations as solutions. Thus, Industry 4.0 technologies and their capabilities are utilised to address challenges in the food sector, aiming to drive agility and consumer responsiveness. In the thesis, the process of transforming from a traditional FSC to a digital one by implementing emerging technologies is defined as the digital transformation of the FSC, especially utilising the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing (CC) and big data analytics (BDA). However, research on the integration of emerging Industry 4.0 technologies within FSCs remains limited, and most food companies are still in the early stages of this transformation journey. In addition, due to the complexity of the various Industry 4.0 technologies, organisations often struggle to assess their capabilities and the contexts in which they can be effectively utilised. Therefore, prior to anything else, it is necessary to comprehend and clarify the current state of emerging technology utilisation in the real-world FSC business. Companies are seeking to use maturity models as practical tools to evaluate the current situation and identify potential strategies to facilitate their digital transformation progress. Nevertheless, existing maturity models, particularly those related to digital supply chains, often lack a holistic view of the digital transformation process, especially within the context of FSCs. Furthermore, many of these models fall short in offering prescriptive guidance on how to enhance maturity levels. To address these research gaps, a systematic literature review (SLR) is conducted as the first paper of the thesis to provide a comprehensive understanding of how to enable the digital transformation in FSCs, emphasising the integrated utilisation of IoT, CC and BDA and their equal importance to reflect the entire data management process. Based on the diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory, a digital transformation implementation framework was developed from the SLR findings, which also outlined clear directions for future empirical research. Following the SLR, empirical studies were conducted to evaluate and enhance digital transformation maturity within FSCs. Accordingly, the second paper developed an evidence-based maturity model by conducting thirty semi-structured interviews with senior professionals from the food industry. This maturity model advanced from a conceptual stage to an evidence-based one, employing the Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) framework to identify key measurement dimensions and the Business Process Orientation Maturity Model (BPOMM) to classify maturity levels. Also, three propositions offered actionable insights for food organisations to progress in their digital transformation journeys. Building on the evidence-based maturity model used as an evaluation tool, the third paper established a maturity improvement framework for digital transformation in FSCs, guided by the DOI theory. This prescriptive framework, developed through multiple case studies and validated in a workshop, comprises a unified seven-step process (initiation planning, alignment, preparation, configuration, pilot testing, scaling, and sustaining) with key actions to support each step. With the findings from three papers, the thesis contributes to multiple perspectives, including theoretical, practical, methodological, contextual and empirical evidence. The thesis offers a holistic perspective on the emerging topic of digital transformation in FSCs, particularly by investigating the integration of IoT, CC, and BDA as foundational innovation pillars, and by emphasising their equal significance. It also extends the application of existing theories, applying them to the digital transformation context. The use of the context–intervention–mechanism–outcome (CIMO) logic effectively connects the innovation process from DOI theory with the digital transformation journey, offering deeper insight into how emerging technologies are driving the shift from traditional to digital FSCs. Furthermore, the evidence-based digital transformation maturity model enriches all three dimensions of the TOE framework, supported by empirical evidence from the food industry, enhancing the understanding of digital transformation. The DOI theory is also extended by including the "sustaining" step in the maturity improvement process, which indicates the necessity for maintaining a higher maturity level with requirements to align with the ever-evolving nature of digital transformation. Practically, this thesis benefits different stakeholder groups, including FSC practitioners, policymakers, and third-party service providers. The developed frameworks help FSC practitioners clearly assess their digital transformation progress, offering strategic guidance and practical solutions to shape their digital roadmaps and operational improvements. Policymakers can also use the findings to accelerate digital transformation in the food sector by obtaining practical insights from the thesis, designing relevant standards and regulations for adopting emerging technologies and establishing targeted incentives to foster a digital culture. Furthermore, third parties gain insights into the evolving needs of their FSC clients. Ultimately, the thesis raises awareness across the food industry and encourages broader engagement in digital transformation efforts.PhD in Leadership and Managemen