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

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.

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.

Salary Benefits:

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.

38 hours per week

De Rondom 70