PhD-position: Magnetohydrodynamics & Heat Transfer in Conducting Liquids

Job description

In this project, we study the influence of electromagnetic fields on flow, turbulence and heat transfer in conducting liquid. We will:

• Develop computational models for anisotropic turbulence in MHD flows of conducting liquids.
• Validate the models in an experimental setup mimicking continuous steel casting.
• Apply the models to improve electromagnetic flow control for continuous steel casting.

The scientific questions to be answered include:

• How do large scale magnetic fields influence turbulence and heat transfer in moving conducting liquids?
• How do large scale magnetic fields influence the flow at, and the heat transfer towards, free surfaces in conducting liquids?

Two PhD students will work jointly on the project, in close interaction with a major European steel manufacturing company and a major European manufacturer of large, industrial (electro)magnets.
The experimental work focuses on the measurement of fluid flow and heat transfer in a laboratory set-up closely mimicking a continuous casting liquid pool with emphasis on the behaviour of the free surface for different ways of controlling electromagnetic flow. Instantaneous velocity fields will be measured by using stereoscopic particle image velocimetry (PIV). The PIV will be combined with liquid crystal thermography (LCT) to perform simultaneous velocity-temperature measurements to determine the heat fluxes.

Requirements

For both positions we are looking for a candidate with

• an MSc degree in (applied) physics, or mechanical, aeronautical, civil or chemical engineering,
• a solid background in fluid dynamics and turbulence,
• an excellent knowledge of written and spoken English, and
• a top 20% ranking during his/her BSc and MSc.

The candidate for the computational project should have a strong interest and some experience in Computational Fluid Dynamics, as well as good skills in the use of computer systems and computer programming.
The candidate for the experimental project should have experience in experimental laboratory research, preferably with lasers and optical techniques (e.g., LDA or PIV). .

Conditions of employment

The successful candidate will be employed full-time by TU Delft for a fixed period of four years within which he or she is expected to write a dissertation leading to a doctoral degree (PhD thesis). The starting salary for a PhD is €2042 gross per month increasing to a maximum of €2612 gross per month in the fourth year.
TU Delft offers an attractive benefits package, including a flexible work week, free high-speed Internet access from home, and the option of assembling a customized compensation and benefits package. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. Delft University of Technology strives to increase the number of women in higher academic positions; women are therefore especially encouraged to apply.

Information and application

For more information about this position or to apply, please contact C. R. Kleijn, phone: +31 (0)15-2782835, e-mail: C.R.Kleijn@tudelft.nl. Please apply through our on-line application site. Please read applications instructions carefully and make sure that your application gives details of your theoretical knowledge and technical strengths, for example, simulation, instrumentation, experiments, etc. Please also describe what specific scientific and/or engineering interests you have. Incomplete applications will not be processed. If you have any questions about the on-line application form, please contact phd-tnw@tudelft.nl.