NIST Efficient integration of sustainable fuels through the measurement and modeling of thermophysical properties
NIST is researching sustainable aviation and maritime fuels by measuring and modeling their thermophysical properties to improve integration and reduce emissions.
This grant is no longer accepting proposals
NRC Research Associateship Programs has archived this opportunity.
Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates: February 1, 2025 | May 1, 2025 | August 1, 2025 | November 1, 2025
Funding Amounts: $82,764 stipend plus $3,000 travel allowance; typical appointment duration 2 years.
Summary: Supports postdoctoral research at NIST on thermophysical properties of sustainable aviation and maritime fuels to improve their integration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens with a doctoral degree; requires contacting a NIST research adviser prior to application; combines experimental and modeling approaches.
Description
This fellowship opportunity through the NRC Research Associateship Programs at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) focuses on advancing the understanding of sustainable fuels used in aviation and maritime transport. These industries contribute approximately 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and sustainable fuels with carbon net-zero lifecycles offer a promising alternative to traditional petroleum fuels.
The research emphasis is on measuring and modeling key thermophysical properties of these fuels, including phase behavior, density, speed of sound, and thermal conductivity. These properties critically influence fuel injection and combustion efficiency in engines. The NIST Thermophysical Properties of Fluids Group has extensive experience with a variety of fluids and state-of-the-art instrumentation to support this research.
Proposals are encouraged that combine experimental measurements with theoretical and computational modeling to explore how molecular size, structure, and polarity affect fuel properties. Both pure fluids and mixtures are of interest. There are also opportunities to develop new measurement techniques or expand existing instrumentation capabilities.
This fellowship is designed for postdoctoral researchers who want to contribute to sustainable energy solutions by providing high-quality thermophysical data to support model development and fuel integration efforts.
