PhD Position (Experimental) Air-Knife Turbulent Jet Impingement on a Liquid Zinc Surface

Provide fundamental insights into an air turbulent jet impinging on a liquid surface, using state-of-the-art experimental techniques. That’s your challenge as a PhD candidate at TU Delft. Want to help make the steel industry more sustainable?

Job description

As a PhD candidate at TU Delft, you will contribute to research on air-knife technology by providing fundamental insights into turbulent multi-phase flows, with the aim of supporting a more sustainable steel industry.

A 4-year PhD position is available in the research group of Prof. Dr. Sasa Kenjeres at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), The Netherlands.

A common method to protect steel against corrosion is the application of a protective zinc layer. This process is called galvanizing. Tata Steel Netherlands currently produces over half a million tons of galvanized steel per year, all of which is produced via the hot-dip galvanizing process. In hot-dip galvanizing, air knives blow a high-velocity gas jet onto a steel strip to control the thickness of the zinc layer. The interaction between the turbulent air jet and the liquid zinc is a potential cause of coating irregularities (waviness) and rejection of the final product.

In this project, combined experimental, theoretical, and computer simulation studies will be used to provide detailed insight into the dynamics of the interactions between the air jet and the solidifying liquid zinc. A better understanding of these interactions will open new ways to eliminate observed imperfections.

You will focus on the experimental part of the project, which involves the construction and build-up of experimental setups, as well as performing state-of-the-art PIV-based measurements of the multi-phase flows. This project is part of the Holland High Tech program, and you will closely collaborate with industrial partners M2i and Tata Steel.

Job requirements

You are a recent graduate looking to use your experimental skills to provide understanding of complex multi-phase phenomena and optimize industrial processes. With your pioneering mindset and hands-on experimental experience, you will be able to tackle this challenging problem.

You also have:

• An MSc in a relevant subject, such as Applied Physics, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
• Proven experience with experimental techniques; previous experience with PIV is a must
• A keen interest in interdisciplinary, curiosity-driven, and applied research
• Fluency in English and enjoyment of working in an international research environment
• A team-working mentality, as well as the capability to work efficiently individually
• Excellent communication skills

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional.

Working at TU Delft means joining an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty Applied Sciences

The Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem with strong research activity in areas including Chemical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Nanoscience, Life and Health Science & Technology, and Radiation Science & Technology.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, in the form of two 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 performance requirements are met.

As a PhD candidate, you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff, and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related, and research skills.

TU Delft also offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, a monthly work costs contribution, and the possibility of flexible work schedules.