Modelling of transfer of heat and toxic chemicals through firefighters’ multilayer clothing

Summary

The increasingly adverse impact of toxic fire products on fire-fighters’ health and wellbeing are of a world-wide concern. The occurrence of cancer among the fire-fighters is alarmingly high in both developed and developing countries. Although fire and rescue services follow strict regulations regarding the decontamination of fire suits after firefighting, this approach only seems to tackle toxicants from the fire effluent that adhered to the surfaces of the outer clothing. Unfortunately, the ability of the toxic products to permeate and get transferred through the layers of fire suits towards the skin of first responders during firefighting has not been investigated adequately. The knowledge of the nature of the transferred toxicants and, most importantly, determining their quantities are of paramount importance for fire-fighters, manufacturers of personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing, regulators, health and safety specialists who are seeking robust and long term-solutions to the problems of repeated exposure to toxic combustion products.

This PhD project is to support and complementary to the research project, “Investigation of Toxic Chemicals Trasnfer Through Clothing Layers of Fire Suits”, InToxFIRE, funded by the UL Research Institutes (ULRI) in the USA. The aim of this PhD project is to examine numerically the transfer of heat and toxic chemicals through firefighters’ protecting clothing under various heating conditions using both an in-house heat transfer model and advanced finite element analysis (FEA). Parametric studies will be conducted to investigate the effects of design of the clothing (thickness and types of materials/layers) and environment factors (temperature, humidity, external heat) on the penetration and transfer of toxic chemicals.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Research Associate in the InToxFIRE project and contribute to the completion of numerical modelling work package of the project’s work .

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.