PhD Position: Space Launch Impact on Climate and Environment (SLICE)

About SLICE: Space utilization is crucial for understanding climate change, but the rapid increase in launch rates necessitates urgent research into the environmental impacts of space activities, especially launchers. The SLICE project aims to bridge the gap between space engineering and climate science, focusing on three key areas: Launch Vehicle Emissions, Atmospheric Interaction & Climate Impact, and System Analysis & Design. The goal is to develop solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and establish sustainable access to space.

About the Host Organization: ISAE-SUPAERO is Europe’s leading institution in aeronautics, space, and embedded systems. The Space Advanced Concepts Laboratory (SaCLaB) specializes in space access, orbital systems, and space exploration, with expertise in cryogenic propellant management, liquid rocket engine simulation, and system optimization.

Task Description for Your Individual Research Project (IRP):

• Problem Definition: There is a lack of tools to predict emissions (including minor species and soot) from liquid rocket engine (LRE) combustion chambers. The challenge lies in the complex coupling of high-pressure chemical kinetics, turbulent reactive flow, and thermal losses at the wall.

• Research Objectives:

  • Define species to track and compare experimental and numerical data.

  • Conduct LES simulations of DLR reference experiments to validate the numerical framework.

  • Study the impact of thermal wall boundary conditions on flame behavior and pollutant generation.

  • Provide data for nozzle plume simulations and perform parametric studies on O/F and mass flow rate variations.

  • Deliver results to WP4 (DC13) for tuning global models.

• Expected Results:

  • A validated LES framework for estimating species composition in CH4/O2 LRE combustion chambers.

  • Emission data for other DCs and insights into the impact of O/F and pressure on emissions.

• Secondments:

  • DLR (Germany, ~4 months): Analyze experimental data for numerical setup and validation.

  • ArianeGroup SAS (France, ~2 months): Collaborate with industrial partners on experimental data and numerical models.

Requirements:

• Education Level: Master’s degree or equivalent in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.

• Essential Skills:

  • Solid knowledge of Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Computer Science, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).

  • Ability to work independently and in a team, solve complex problems, and meet deadlines.

  • Excellent communication skills in English.

  • Willingness to travel for secondments and events.

• Desired Skills:

  • Knowledge of EcoDesign, climate sciences, and life-cycle assessments.

  • Project management skills.

  • Familiarity with the host institution’s language is a plus.

• Specific Requirements:

  • Applicants must be eligible for a PhD program at ISAE.

  • Compliance with Horizon Europe MSCA Mobility Rule and Eligibility Criteria is mandatory.

Languages:

• English (Excellent)