Internship | Acoustic analyses of pipe systems using quantum computing

About this position

On almost every industrial facility, large pipe systems are used. The flow in pipe systems is often not steady, but pulsating as a result of a reciprocating compressor or pump. This can lead to unallowable pulsation levels in the system, especially when resonances occur. At TNO, we have a lot of experience performing acoustic (pulsation) analysis on pipeline systems using the Method of Characteristics (MoC). Early research suggests that the MoC could potentially be implemented efficiently on a Quantum Computer due to its local data structure.

What will be your role?

The goal of this project is to develop a quantum algorithm for the Method of Characteristics, as applied for acoustic analysis in pipe systems. This algorithm should subsequently be validated. The project consists of the following steps:

• Create a literature review on MoC and implementation on Quantum computers for both Gate Based and Quantum annealing
• Pinpoint the pain point(s) and explain how the quantum algorithms in the literature might overcome these problems
• Develop algorithm of MoC on a quantum computer, which consists of a workflow and a quantum algorithm
• Validate the implementation of the algorithm, possibly through simulation

During your work, you will be part of the Heat Transfer and Fluid Dynamics department at TNO. The duration of the internship will be 9 months. For technical questions about this project, please contact:

• Aris Twerda (TNO: aris.twerda@tno.nl)
• Stan van der Linde (TNO: stan.vanderlinde@tno.nl)
• Matthias Möller (TUD: M.Moller@tudelft.nl)

What we expect from you

We are looking for a student who is enthusiastic, critical, and a team-player. We expect you to work hard and independently on your own project, but ask for help if needed. The student should regularly work from the office in Rijswijk in order to interact with supervisors and other colleagues. The student should be able to program (complex) algorithms.

What you'll get in return

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses, or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

TNO as an employer

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer, and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world.

At TNO, we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society.

The selection process

After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. Important to be aware of before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed. For students at a college or university based in the Netherlands, TNO uses the UNL-template (supplemented with a number of specific agreements from TNO). For students of foreign and MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  1. You are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
  2. The internship takes place as part of the programme of the study.
• The confirmation of the educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.

Has this job opening sparked your interest?

Then we’d like to hear from you! Please contact us for more information about the job or the selection process.

More information about this vacancy?

Dries Nimwegen, van: dries.vannimwegen@tno.nl