PhD Position Sensing Viscosity with Ultrasound

Ultrasound sensors for quantitatively measuring the viscosity of flows.

Job description

Continuous, non-invasive measurements of fluid properties are instrumental in factories that produce food, medicine and semiconductor products such as microchips and solar cells. Such fluid measurements also find application in environmental monitoring and medical infusion systems in neonatal care. In essence, good in-line measurement systems provide immediate process information and therefore enable high quality products while preventing waste from production errors. Thus they contribute to healthcare and sustainable food production.

This project aims to develop innovative, modular and scalable flowmeters that measure both flow and viscosity by ultrasonic surface acoustic wave sensing principles. Although the basic principle of flow and viscosity measurements using surface acoustic waves is well known and already applied in sensors, viscosity measurements are not fully understood and are not yet carried out using ultrasound in commercial flow meters. The quantitative, accurate measurement of viscosity has yet to be demonstrated in ultrasound flow measurement systems.

Your project will be carried out at TU Delft, in close collaboration with Twente University and leading companies in the field of flow sensing.

It is expected that you will:

1. Investigate and conduct research on ultrasound sensors and viscosity of flows.
2. Develop and invent novel measurement strategies and methods.
3. Set up a quantitative, experimentally validated model of the ultrasonic flow sensors.
4. Design an experimental sensing platform required for this project.
5. Characterize ultrasound propagation loss, quality factors, and travel speed, while also studying resonance behaviour and determining the optimal excitation frequencies for maximizing signal-to-noise ratios.
6. Write a doctoral dissertation, publish results in renowned peer reviewed journals and present research at international conferences.
7. Engage in education activities, such as supervising master students.

Job requirements

We are looking for people with:

• MSc in mechanical engineering, physics, materials science or a related area.
• Experience with modeling, experiments and design.
• Team spirit and good communication skills.
• A creative, independent and self-motivated approach.
• Initiative and the ability to set up, organise and execute your research.

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 in an international community of professionals and students.

Faculty Mechanical Engineering

The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering offers a dynamic and innovative environment with high-tech lab facilities and international reach, combining disciplines in ways that support pioneering research and inspiring education.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, 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.

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