Description
Research at the Institute for Reactive Flows at the University of Stuttgart focuses on theory and computation of turbulent multiphase flows. The key expertise of our work is the modelling of multiscale processes and the corresponding interactions between turbulence, chemistry and particle dynamics. Examples include specific combustion related issues like turbulent combustion, solid fuel combustion and pollutant formation but also nanoparticle flame synthesis, flash boiling and mixing in particle laden flows.
We have a current opening at IRST for three research assistant (Ph.D.) positions.
- Stochastic modelling of reacting, two-phase flows: The project is motivated by the continued need for accurate predictions in energy conversion processes using liquid fuels. The challenges include novel burner design due to different combustion strategies and different properties of alternative fuels such as biofuels, e-fuels or ammonia. The latter will be needed for future carbon neutral or carbon free energy provision. Knowledge of the details of evaporation, liquid-gas phase interactions and subsequent combustion is, however, limited, especially in regions of high liquid fuel density. The current project shall use stochastic methods to predict the droplet combustion process in such multiphase environments with emphasis on the predictions of the mass and energy transfers between the phases and their effects on fuel conversion and pollutant formation.
- Modelling agglomeration in spray flame synthesis processes: The aggregation of spherical particles is the major growth process in nature and in industry alike. As examples may serve processes related to flame particle synthesis, to water purification or to the production of pharmaceutica. Many industrial processes involve not only one substance but a host of materials to improve and/or extend the products’ functionalities such as palladium catalysts where addition of gold particles significantly increases the catalysts’ selectivity. Multiple materials typically feature different particle sizes that then cause different particle dynamics and aggregation characteristics. The project’s challenge is now the exact characterization, modelling and numerical simulation of the aggregation dynamics in polydisperse systems. The project is part of the priority program SPP2289 “Creation of Synergies in Tailor-made Mixtures of Heterogeneous Powders: Hetero Aggregations of Particulate Systems and Their Properties” where 18 research groups from all parts of Germany collaborate to aid product design of a host of materials with new properties and functions (https://www.uni-bremen.de/spp2289).
- Novel modelling concepts for bioreactors: bioreactors present an interesting case of chemically reactive flows. From laboratory to large-scale industrial applications, bioreactors are used in many fields, from pharmaceutical production of drugs to removing greenhouse gases from exhaust gases. They are governed by complex multiphase flows (e.g. water, gas bubbles, bacteria) and require special models to correctly predict transport processes between the phases and to account for the growth of bacteria and algae.
General tasks for all projects:
- Your tasks will focus on the simulation of relevant environments, with specific focus on the development of novel modelling strategies for phase transfer processes (project 1), dynamics of nanoparticles in laboratory scale particle synthesis processes (project 2) and interactions between biological reactions and turbulence (project 3).
- You need to develop and implement the corresponding algorithms that can also be used on high performance computing platforms.
- You will analyze the simulation data with the aid of analytical models and machine learning methods. Especially the latter shall help you to identify the key quantities that serve as suitable coupling parameters.
- You will develop new models and closures for the statistical description of the relevant processes such that the models are transferable to applications of industrial interest.
- You will collaborate with partner groups predominantly in Germany and Australia, and all results shall be presented at national and international conferences.
- Dissemination of your results in international journals is expected.
Your profile:
We expect an excellent Master degree in engineering or related disciplines. You have a solid background in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, combustion and/or particle technology. You enjoy theory and model development and their numerical implementation. You will have experience in programming (C, C++ and possibly Python). Knowledge of OpenFOAM would be very beneficial. You will be an enthusiastic and self-motivated person with a willingness to work closely with other team members. The Institute’s scientific language is English, but willingness to study German is expected.
We offer:
- The pay scale is according to TVL-E13. The gross salary will depend on your relevant experience and range between ~ € 2500.00 - € 4000.00. The original appointment will be for one year. Upon successful completion of the first year, the employment can be extended for a minimum of two further years.
- We offer excellent potential for scientific development in the Institute for Reactive Flows (IRST) at the University of Stuttgart with state-of-the-art computer facilities and access to the University’s supercomputing centre.
The University of Stuttgart is one of the leading technically oriented universities in Germany with about 26.000 students and more than 5.000 staff. The Institute for Reactive Flows is part of the Faculty of Energy-, Process- and Bioengineering.
If interested, please send your CV and other relevant application documents (copies of degree certificates, transcript of records, …) as a single PDF to our recruitment manager. Please indicate any preference for a specific project.
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