PhD Bridging RANS and LES: A frequency perspective on turbulence modeling

Job description

Project Description

The complex motions of ‘turbulent’ fluid flows pose a significant challenge for accurate computational modeling in disciplines ranging from automotive, maritime and aerospace to the chemical industry and bio-mechanics. Despite their pivotal role, existing turbulence simulation methods either lack in descriptive quality and accuracy or require an extreme amount of computation time. This leaves CFD practitioners with an unfortunate dilemma; whether to accept a lack in predictive quality or to invest in significant computational resources. The research that you conduct in this project aims to bridge the gap between accuracy and affordability. The concept turbulent flow simulation methodology operates in the “frequency domain”, obtained by performing a Fourier transform of the Navier-Stokes equation. This perspective on the governing equation puts you in a position to compute only those fluctuations (“modes”) that significantly impact the flow dynamics. The result is a RANS-like framework in terms of affordability, that provides the mathematical structure for refinement toward LES-like quality.

Depending on the progression of the research and on your own interests, later stages of the project may focus on devising efficient implementation strategies, making your framework suitable for adoption in challenging application areas, or/and leveraging machine learning techniques to further boost the efficiency/efficacy of your turbulence model.

Job Description

As your PhD project primarily concerns the develop of a novel turbulence modeling framework, your work will span three main disciplines:

• Fluid mechanics / physics: A deep understanding of fluid mechanics is essential for the development of effective turbulence models, as the physics underpinning these models is fundamental to the research.
• Programming: Since this research operates at a development level beyond what industrial software packages typically offer, you will be required to program your own flow solver. Our group primarily uses the finite element method for discretization, and you are expected to leverage the FEniCS library for most of your code development.
• Mathematics: Your role will involve deriving and manipulating the Navier-Stokes equations in frequency space, employing weak formulations central to the finite element method, and devising strategies to decouple various frequency modes. Consequently, your work requires a strong aptitude for creative mathematical thinking.

Beyond advancing scientific knowledge, your PhD also focuses on communicating your findings. You will attend conferences and write scientific articles, allowing you to enhance your presentation and academic writing skills. Additionally, you will take on educational responsibilities, including supervising master's students and guiding internships.

Job requirements

• You have experience with fluid mechanics, applied mathematics, and computational engineering, or are confident in your ability to develop yourself in these areas.
• Preferably, you finished a Master’s program in the areas of Mechanical Engineering, (Applied) Mathematics, (Applied) Physics, Computer Science  or equivalent.
• You are a proficient programmer.
• You have good communication skills and the attitude to participate successfully in the work of a research team.
• You have good command of the English language (knowledge of Dutch is not required).
• You are a talented and enthusiastic young researcher.

Conditions of employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,901 max. €3,707).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

Information and application

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. 

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Information

More information about the project can be obtained through the project’s primary supervisor: S.K.F. Stoter (k.f.s.stoter@tue.nl).
Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HRServices.Gemini@tue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button.
The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications (if any) and the contact information of three references.
• Transcript of BSc and MSc courses with grades.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.