Two-Phase Flow and Heat Transfer for Sustainable Thermal Management Systems

Job description

Dissipating heat is one of the key challenges in developing new sustainable propulsion systems. A promising solution to develop advanced thermal management systems is based on using two-phase flows (evaporative and condensing flows), which leverage the latent heat of vaporization associated with the phase-change of the fluid to achieve very high heat transfer rates. However, there are several challenges to bring two-phase flows on board.

Fundamental research is still needed to understand the coupling between heat transfer mechanisms and complex two-phase flow behaviour.

The successful candidate will perform experiments to investigate the fundamental heat transfer phenomena and dynamics of two-phase flows. Experiments will be conducted using the boiling facility (TULIP) of the Propulsion & Power group, and developing advanced diagnostics, such as infrared thermography and high-speed flow visualization techniques.

The candidate will work with a team of 2 PhD students and the PI in the Propulsion and Power group, at the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering.

Requirements

Need to have:

• A PhD degree in a relevant field, e.g. Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or similar, with a research topic relevant for this project.
• Having performed research and interest in the following research areas: multi-phase flows, phase-change phenomena, heat transfer, thermodynamics
• Interest in developing optical diagnostics and thermal measurements for two-phase flows
• Good written and oral communication skills, with the ability to communicate the value of your work in both academic and industry settings.
• Ability to work in a team and conduct independent research.
• English proficiency.

Nice to have:

• Experience with thermal and flow measurement techniques, such as IR, Laser-based diagnostics, Flow visualisation.
• Experience in performing CFD simulations with OpenFoam to study multi-phase flows.

TU Delft

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Faculty Aerospace Engineering

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is one of the world’s most highly ranked (and most comprehensive) research, education and innovation communities devoted entirely to aerospace engineering. More than 200 science staff, around 270 PhD candidates and close to 3000 BSc and MSc students apply aerospace engineering disciplines to address the global societal challenges that threaten us today, climate change without doubt being the most important. Our focal subjects: sustainable aerospace, big data and artificial intelligence, bio-inspired engineering and smart instruments and systems. Working at the faculty means working together. With partners in other faculties, knowledge institutes, governments and industry, both aerospace and non-aerospace. Working in field labs and innovation hubs on our university campus and beyond.

Conditions of employment

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.