PhD Position on Metamaterials for Flow Control

PhD Position on Metamaterials for Flow Control

MetaWing: Explore the interface between Metamaterials and Laminar Flow Control

Job description

About the project:

The MetaWing project explores a new disruptive concept for flow control, first born in classical wave physics: Metamaterials. These are engineered composite structures, invoking dispersive wave phenomena to gain exotic properties that go beyond what is considered possible in Nature. A key property is the bandgap, a range in which waves are suppressed when interacting with the Metamaterial. Our team recently found key evidence of dispersive wave suppression in boundary layers. However, wave-like flow instabilities have key differences from classical waves, forming a new regime of dispersive wave interactions. Thus, the nature of bandgaps in boundary layer flows remains unclear and unexplored.

The main objective of this project is to experimentally develop and use Metamaterial-derived concepts for the control of laminar-turbulent transition on swept wings.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, motivated and skilled PhD candidate to join our team. We will work towards the specific challenge of understanding the formation of bandgaps in swept wing transitional fluid flows and using them to suppress wave-like boundary layer instabilities, thus delaying laminar-turbulent transition.

This PhD position will entail the experimental design, fabrication, and characterisation of Metamaterial prototypes aimed at controlling Crossflow Instabilities forming on swept wings. A range of fabrication facilities available within our laboratory can be used to produce functional prototypes. All prototypes will be characterised for their dynamic and geometrical conformity using in-house methods. Eventually, the prototypes will be exposed to swept wing transitional flows in our windtunnel facilities (specifically the Low Turbulence Tunnel and/or the Anechoic Vertical Tunnel), to characterise their behavior and understand their influence on boundary layer instabilities.

The relevance of this work is not restricted to swept wings but also supports current research in our laboratory whereby suppression of wave-like instabilities in a variety of transitional flows (e.g. 2D boundary layers and laminar separation bubbles) aims to delaying laminar-turbulent transition.

About the team:

We are a young, international, and diverse team of colleagues in the vicinity of the newly founded chair of Flow Control. We approach problems in a horizontal “team spirit” and continuously traverse boundaries between theory, simulations, and experiments towards understanding and controlling fluid flows. In our team, we strive for a cocreative and stimulating environment where we can develop our skills as a scientist, team member and teacher. We place great emphasis on a collegial working environment where everyone is welcome and encouraged to shape their own PhD track. We like to know about everyone’s research project and try to help and learn from each other’s problems to boost our scientific and personal growth.

We also enjoy many team-building activities and events where you will get to know your teammates in a different environment, sharing personal life experiences and having a great time outside of the lab!

Accessibility:

Almost 90% of our laboratory and offices are wheelchair accessible, including all wind tunnel facilities.

Job requirements

You should meet the following requirements:

• MSc degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, applied physics or applied mathematics.
• Background and affinity in fluid mechanics (e.g. MSc thesis on a fluids-related topic).
• Good track record in BSc and MSc degrees.
• Proficiency in the English language, both oral and written.
• Strong motivation towards pursuing a PhD and willingness to develop diverse skills.
• Enthusiastic about working in an energetic team and in close collaboration with other researchers.

The following skills are also highly appreciated:

• Affinity with flow stability and transition theory and modelling.
• Experience with acoustic/vibrational waves, periodic structures and/or Metamaterials.
• Experience with experimental measurement techniques for fluid mechanics.

TU Delft

Delft University of Technology 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.

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. Our support and scientific staff, including PhD candidates, postdocs, and students, largely work together on three main themes: the energy transition, sustainable aerospace, and safety and security, with the aim of tackling climate change and contributing to the independence and security of Europe.

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

You don’t just join our faculty — you join a community where you can thrive, grow, and help shape the future of aerospace.

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.