PhD Position in Aerothermodynamics of Innovative Solutions for Grazing Flow Heat Exchangers

PhD Position in Aerothermodynamics of Innovative Solutions for Grazing Flow

Heat Exchangers Apply Now

Research the coupled physics of aerodynamics & heat transfer, improve high- performance surface heat exchangers, and innovate their aerothermodynamic design standards.

Job description

Integrating new powertrain solutions in sustainable aircraft designs comes with significant technological challenges: thermal management is one such a challenge, particularly when hydrogen / fuel-cell driven powertrains are considered. Innovative solutions for transporting vast amounts of waste heat, e.g., form the fuel cell-stacks, will rely on a firm understanding of all fluid and heat transfer physics involved. The external skin of the aircraft and the flow around it offer a great potential to achieve high heat transfer rates, thus allowing for a development of aerodynamically efficient heat exchange-innovations. To do so, fundamental research to further understand and enhance the heat transfer from a cooling fluid to the surface structure, and from the surface structures to the grazing aerodynamic flow is required.

This project aims at investigating the two-way coupling of the grazing aerodynamic flow (overhead an aircraft surface) to the heat transfer physics taking place within the surface heat exchanger-panel itself (in the aircraft sub-surface). There is scope for two PhD positions, each of these focusing on one aspect of the project, but working in a collaborative manner, given the cross-exchange of knowledge between the two topics. An overview of the two PhD topics is as follows:

PhD topic 1: External grazing boundary layer flow over surface heat exchangers.

Investigating how the boundary layer flow physics changes in non-adiabatic (heated) wall conditions, and how aerodynamic performance can be influenced with non-uniform distributions of surface temperature, forms the central facet of this project branch.

You will focus on the boundary layer flow physics adjacent to heated surfaces, and you will conduct research on the receptivity of boundary layer flows to spatial modifications of the wall-temperature. How these alterations can be utilized to enhance the aerothermodynamic performance (e.g., lower drag of grazing flow and/or the enhancement of heat transfer to the external flow) is also part of your scope. Your R&D work has a direct impact on the performance on the integral performance of surface heat exchangers, given that the heat transfer to the external grazing flow often poses a limiting factor.

PhD topic 2: Internal heat transfer from the cooling fluid to the surface.

Investigating how to design and engineer the internal surfaces of heat exchangers, to yield enhancement of heat transfer and to produce surface heating patterns, is the central theme of this project branch.

Your work will entail the fundamental aspects of heat transfer of internal flows. Specifically, you will perform experiments aimed at investigating the thermal performance of single- and two-phase flows and their interaction with the internal surfaces. The results will inform the design and modelling of future skin heat exchangers, and their potential impact on the external aerodynamics.

We are a young and energetic team, offering a stimulating and inclusive working environment for developing your academic and research skills. The project features a variety of experimental, theoretical and numerical tools towards understanding and controlling relevant flows to the aerospace domain, with our ultimate goal to improve sustainability of aviation.

For the two PhD projects, we are looking for candidates willing to work in a multi-disciplinary team, with key staff members from the complementary fields of Aerodynamics and Heat Transfer. Affinity with at least one of these topics will be considered an asset: wind-tunnel testing, experimental measurement techniques (PIV, HWA, IR thermography), sensors and actuators, flow stability and control. Basic knowledge of numerical techniques or standard packages such as Matlab, LabView, PIV processing packages is considered an advantage.

Requirements

A M.Sc. degree with a focus in fluid mechanics and heat transfer (e.g., aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or applied physics)

Fundamental knowledge of fluid mechanics, viscous fluid flows, heat transfer and thermodynamics

Strong mathematical and analytical skills; knowledge of physics and mechanical design is an asset

Strong affinity with (and background in) experimental techniques for aerothermodynamics

Affinity with data processing techniques and programming

Hands on with lab-work, skilled in experimental design and hardware construction

An aptitude for working in a team, and excellent communication skills in spoken and written English

Creativity, assertive attitude, and perseverance

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

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 € 2770 per month in the first year to € 3539 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 sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

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 Aerospace Engineering

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is one of the world's most highly ranked (and most comprehensive) research, education and innovation communities devoted entirely to aerospace engineering. More than 200 science staff, around 270 PhD candidates and close to 3000 BSc and MSc students apply aerospace engineering disciplines to address the global societal challenges that threaten us today, climate change without doubt being the most important. Our focal subjects: sustainable aerospace, big data and artificial intelligence, bio-inspired engineering and smart instruments and systems. Working at the faculty means working together. With partners in other faculties, knowledge institutes, governments and industry, both aerospace and non-aerospace. Working in field labs and innovation hubs on our university campus and beyond.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering.

Additional information

For information about this vacancy and the selection procedure, please contact for PhD topic 1 (external flow), Dr. Marios Kotsonis, [email protected] & Dr. Woutijn Baars, [email protected], and for PhD topic 2 (heat transfer), Dr. Chiara Falsetti, [email protected].

The selection process will start immediately; the intended start date is in the Fall of 2023.

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before 1 October 2023 via the application button and upload the following in two pdf files:

(pdf 1) a 1-page Motivation letter, and your CV;

(pdf 2) a (part of your) MSc. thesis or a paper that you have written, in which you demonstrate your writing and research skills.

Your motivation letter should include, at least, the following:

Examples of projects and achievements that demonstrate your relevant competences

Your motivation for pursuing a PhD and operating in an academic environment.

Which of the two PhD topics you prefer, and why (1: external flow, 2: heat transfer).

Please note:

A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.

Applying for an exemption for specific research and educational areas is an obligatory part of the selection procedure for this vacancy. This exemption must be obtained from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) before an employment contract is agreed upon. Click here for more information.

You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.

Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

Faculty/Department

Faculty of Aerospace Engineering

Job Type

PhD

Scientific field

Engineering

Hours per week

32-38

Salary

€ 2.770,00 - € 3.539,00

Desired level of education

University graduate

Vacancy number

TUD04282

Method of applying

Via system

Research the coupled physics of aerodynamics & heat transfer, improve high- performance surface heat exchangers, and innovate their aerothermodynamic design standards.

Job description

Integrating new powertrain solutions in sustainable aircraft designs comes with significant technological challenges: thermal management is one such a challenge, particularly when hydrogen / fuel-cell driven powertrains are considered. Innovative solutions for transporting vast amounts of waste heat, e.g., form the fuel cell-stacks, will rely on a firm understanding of all fluid and heat transfer physics involved. The external skin of the aircraft and the flow around it offer a great potential to achieve high heat transfer rates, thus allowing for a development of aerodynamically efficient heat exchange-innovations. To do so, fundamental research to further understand and enhance the heat transfer from a cooling fluid to the surface structure, and from the surface structures to the grazing aerodynamic flow is required.

This project aims at investigating the two-way coupling of the grazing aerodynamic flow (overhead an aircraft surface) to the heat transfer physics taking place within the surface heat exchanger-panel itself (in the aircraft sub-surface). There is scope for two PhD positions, each of these focusing on one aspect of the project, but working in a collaborative manner, given the cross-exchange of knowledge between the two topics. An overview of the two PhD topics is as follows:

PhD topic 1: External grazing boundary layer flow over surface heat exchangers.

Investigating how the boundary layer flow physics changes in non-adiabatic (heated) wall conditions, and how aerodynamic performance can be influenced with non-uniform distributions of surface temperature, forms the central facet of this project branch.

You will focus on the boundary layer flow physics adjacent to heated surfaces, and you will conduct research on the receptivity of boundary layer flows to spatial modifications of the wall-temperature. How these alterations can be utilized to enhance the aerothermodynamic performance (e.g., lower drag of grazing flow and/or the enhancement of heat transfer to the external flow) is also part of your scope. Your R&D work has a direct impact on the performance on the integral performance of surface heat exchangers, given that the heat transfer to the external grazing flow often poses a limiting factor.

PhD topic 2: Internal heat transfer from the cooling fluid to the surface.

Investigating how to design and engineer the internal surfaces of heat exchangers, to yield enhancement of heat transfer and to produce surface heating patterns, is the central theme of this project branch.

Your work will entail the fundamental aspects of heat transfer of internal flows. Specifically, you will perform experiments aimed at investigating the thermal performance of single- and two-phase flows and their interaction with the internal surfaces. The results will inform the design and modelling of future skin heat exchangers, and their potential impact on the external aerodynamics.

We are a young and energetic team, offering a stimulating and inclusive working environment for developing your academic and research skills. The project features a variety of experimental, theoretical and numerical tools towards understanding and controlling relevant flows to the aerospace domain, with our ultimate goal to improve sustainability of aviation.

For the two PhD projects, we are looking for candidates willing to work in a multi-disciplinary team, with key staff members from the complementary fields of Aerodynamics and Heat Transfer. Affinity with at least one of these topics will be considered an asset: wind-tunnel testing, experimental measurement techniques (PIV, HWA, IR thermography), sensors and actuators, flow stability and control. Basic knowledge of numerical techniques or standard packages such as Matlab, LabView, PIV processing packages is considered an advantage.

Requirements

A M.Sc. degree with a focus in fluid mechanics and heat transfer (e.g., aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or applied physics)

Fundamental knowledge of fluid mechanics, viscous fluid flows, heat transfer and thermodynamics

Strong mathematical and analytical skills; knowledge of physics and mechanical design is an asset

Strong affinity with (and background in) experimental techniques for aerothermodynamics

Affinity with data processing techniques and programming

Hands on with lab-work, skilled in experimental design and hardware construction

An aptitude for working in a team, and excellent communication skills in spoken and written English

Creativity, assertive attitude, and perseverance

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

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 € 2770 per month in the first year to € 3539 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 sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

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 Aerospace Engineering

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is one of the world's most highly ranked (and most comprehensive) research, education and innovation communities devoted entirely to aerospace engineering. More than 200 science staff, around 270 PhD candidates and close to 3000 BSc and MSc students apply aerospace engineering disciplines to address the global societal challenges that threaten us today, climate change without doubt being the most important. Our focal subjects: sustainable aerospace, big data and artificial intelligence, bio-inspired engineering and smart instruments and systems. Working at the faculty means working together. With partners in other faculties, knowledge institutes, governments and industry, both aerospace and non-aerospace. Working in field labs and innovation hubs on our university campus and beyond.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering.

Additional information

For information about this vacancy and the selection procedure, please contact for PhD topic 1 (external flow), Dr. Marios Kotsonis, [email protected] & Dr. Woutijn Baars, [email protected], and for PhD topic 2 (heat transfer), Dr. Chiara Falsetti, [email protected].

The selection process will start immediately; the intended start date is in the Fall of 2023.

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before 1 October 2023 via the application button and upload the following in two pdf files:

(pdf 1) a 1-page Motivation letter, and your CV;

(pdf 2) a (part of your) MSc. thesis or a paper that you have written, in which you demonstrate your writing and research skills.

Your motivation letter should include, at least, the following:

Examples of projects and achievements that demonstrate your relevant competences

Your motivation for pursuing a PhD and operating in an academic environment.

Which of the two PhD topics you prefer, and why (1: external flow, 2: heat transfer).

Please note:

A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.

Applying for an exemption for specific research and educational areas is an obligatory part of the selection procedure for this vacancy. This exemption must be obtained from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) before an employment contract is agreed upon. Click here for more information.

You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.

Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.