PhD Position Particle Based Modelling of Scrap Handling for Green Steel Production

At TU Delft, a fully funded PhD position for a period of four years is available within the National Growth Fund (NGF) project “Groeien met Groen Staal” (GGS), focused on advancing sustainable and climate-neutral steel production.

This PhD project aims to develop an advanced particle-based modelling framework to support the design and optimisation of scrap handling systems for continuous furnace infeed. The research will focus on modelling how key scrap characteristics - such as size, shape, density, and material heterogeneity - interact with scrap handling and transport systems, discharging equipment such as vibratory feeders, and industrial loading strategies employed in scrap yards for feeding Electric Arc Furnaces (EAFs).

You will develop and validate a particle-based simulation model to capture the flow and behaviour of steel scrap throughout handling, transport, and furnace infeed processes. This includes integrating data provided by Tata Steel Netherlands to enable realistic modelling of industrial conditions. You will analyse how different scrap recipes and loading strategies influence process performance, and investigate the movement and segregation behaviour of scrap. Based on these insights, you will design and optimise discharge sequences to improve operational efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and minimise wear. Finally, you will translate your modelling results into practical recommendations for implementation in industrial EAF operations.

You will work within the Machines & Materials Interactions section of TU Delft that aims at designing the next generation of machines in the transportation domain, taking into account their interactions with cargo, materials and objects that they manipulate; interaction with environments; and interaction between machines in the logistic system. The research interests and expertise include advanced modelling and design optimization methods for machines development. We use both experimental testing approaches and computational modelling and closely collaborate with many national and international experts across companies and research/ academic institutes.

The succesful candidate will be supervised by Prof.dr.ir. Dingena Schott and Dr.ir. Yusong Pang, and will have opportunities to collaborate with the GGS consortium partners.

Job requirements

The candidate:

• holds a MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related field
• has demonstrable experience with Discrete Element Method or other particle based methods
• preferably has experience with experiments and/or scrap characterisation
• demonstrable affinity with industry-related research
• has excellent written and spoken communication skills in English
• demonstrates a collaborative mindset

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 a 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 Mechanical Engineering

Research and education at the Mechanical Engineering faculty focuses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and mechanical systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being.

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 TU Delft 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.

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