Two PhD Positions Experimental Investigation of Inertial Dense Suspensions

Two PhD Positions: Experimental Investigation of Inertial Dense Suspensions

Two PhD Positions: Experimental Investigation of Inertial Dense Suspensions

Job description

Inertial Dense Suspensions (IDeS) are very common in nature and industry, with examples including blood flow, recycling, waste slurry transport, additive manufacturing, and energy storage solutions. While they are of great practical importance, these suspension flows are poorly understood. A direct consequence is that we cannot predict even the most basic properties of these flows with sufficient accuracy. For instance, the current best models over- or underestimate the measured pressure drop in a suspension pipe flow by 30-40% for various flow rates. This means that designing or controlling these flows is difficult, as there is no reliable relation between the flow rate and pressure difference (i.e. pumping power) for a given suspension. Our inability to predict these flows stems in part from the fact that they defy the conventional dichotomy of ‘laminar’ versus ‘turbulent’ flow; they inhabit a terra incognita. Most theoretical studies so far have been limited to confined suspensions in the viscous regime. In the applications mentioned, this idealized approach is not valid: Due to the finite size and velocity of the suspended particles, several inertial phenomena occur, such as particle-induced fluctuations, a gradual transition to turbulence, and shear-induced migration. These are at best only qualitatively understood, yet they dramatically alter the flow behavior.

As part of the ERC Advanced Grant project IDeS, we are recruiting two PhD candidates, who will become part of the team that will study these densely-laden pipe flows. PhD 1 will focus on optical techniques to quantify the near-wall behavior using volumetric flow measurement techniques (e.g. Lagrangian particle tracking or tomo-PIV) and model the fluctuations that are introduced by the particles. The interaction of the fluctuations with the transition to turbulence will also be investigated. PhD 2 will work on ultrasound imaging velocimetry combined with shadowgraphy to quantify the shear-induced migration of particles, and capture this in a model. The role of volume fraction, particle size, Reynolds number and density ratio will be investigated.

You will join the Process & Energy (P&E) department at TU Delft’s Mechanical Engineering faculty, working in a lab equipped with a wide range of flow facilities and advanced measurement modalities, including MRI and ultrasound systems dedicated to multiphase research. The positions include conducting experimental research, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, presenting at conferences, and mentoring BSc and MSc students. Additionally, you will have opportunities for professional development through both technical and non-technical courses.

Job requirements

We are looking for a self-motivated and creative candidate with:

• An MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field.
• A strong foundation in (multiphase) fluid dynamics.
• Proven experience with experimental work and a drive to explore and improve state-of-the-art techniques.
• Image/data processing skills in Python or Matlab.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

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.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Mechanical Engineering

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses 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. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

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.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 per month in the first year to €3881 in the fourth year. 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.

Additional information

For more information about this specific position, the research project or the application procedure, please contact Prof. C. Poelma (C.Poelma@tudelft.nl).