PhD Position Two-Phase Flow of Cryogenic Hydrogen

Take on the challenge of investigating cryogenic two-phase flows to enable reliable hydrogen distribution and sustainable aviation, as a PhD candidate at TU Delft.

Job description

Hydrogen is one of the most promising energy carriers and fuels for future sustainable aviation. As it flows from storage to the engine, the cryogenic liquid evaporates, creating a two-phase mixture that affects hydrogen distribution, as well as active components along the line, such as heat exchangers and valves. Understanding and predicting the hydrogen flow and thermal behaviour is essential before such systems can be deployed.

As a PhD candidate in the Propulsion & Power group at TU Delft, you will tackle this challenge through advanced experimental and analytical investigations, focusing on how two-phase flow develops along cryogenics distribution lines.

The project is primarily experimental. You will help commission a new cryogenic test facility that is currently being developed in collaboration with the team, and run advanced experiments for investigating cryogenics two-phase flow. A second objective is to build cryogenic sensors for heat and flow measurements, in collaboration with the Von Karman Institute (VKI, Belgium).

You will join the Propulsion & Power group, that combines expertise in thermodynamics, heat transfer and turbomachinery. Your supervisors will guide you while giving you the room to shape your own research, and you will get the support and training you need to grow as an independent researcher.

Job requirements

You are driven by the wish to understand physical phenomena, reasoning from first principles, and connecting your measurements back to the underlying mechanisms. You are happy to share knowledge and collaborate within an international team and visiting external partners for extended periods (up to few months).

To be considered, you will have:

• An MSc in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field.
• Strong foundations in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer.
• An aptitude for experimental work, shown by hands-on involvement in building or running test setups.
• A very good spoken and written English.
• Experience in two-phase flow and heat transfer experiments and/or modelling is highly valued.

About TU Delft

At TU Delft, you will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional within an international community of professionals and students.

Faculty Aerospace Engineering

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is a leading international community where innovation in aerospace meets global challenges. Support and scientific staff, including PhD candidates, postdocs, and students, work together on three main themes: the energy transition, sustainable aerospace, and safety and security.

When you join, you become part of a diverse, collaborative, and forward-thinking environment where your ideas and perspectives are valued. The work extends beyond the lab into partnerships with other faculties, research institutes, governments, and industry, both locally and globally.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months, followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.