PhD Position Two-Phase Flow Turbulence Measurements and Modelling

Updated: over 1 year ago
Deadline: 26 Oct 2022

Bubbly flows may be a key to ship emission reduction and much more, but first we need to expand our understanding and modelling capability of these complex multi-physical systems.  

Bubbly two-phase flow is a typical and important feature of marine hydrodynamic applications as well as many other fields. From air entrained at the free surface due to breaking waves and water entry, to cavitation on propellers and high speed hydrofoils, and even drag reduction devices which could reduce shipping emissions.
Accurate modelling of mixed two-phase flows is challenging even before considering that real applications are typically turbulent and take place in saltwater, making this a true multi-physics problem.

The PhD candidate on this project will study these flows, using experimental facilities, direct numerical modelling, and statistical analysis. TU Delft has a range of appropriate experimental facilities including a new cavitation tunnel capable of running saltwater experiments. TU Delft has also opened its new two-petaflop DelftBlue supercomputer and the PhD candidate will have access to a validated direct numerical simulation two-phase flow solver for fresh water. The goal of the project will be to use and extend these tools to build a better understanding of turbulent two-phase flows, particularly in saltwater. 

Need-to-haves

  • Bachelors and Masters level degree in technical field (Engineering, Mathematics or Physics)
  • Expertise in fluid mechanics

Nice-to-have

  • Experience with two-phase flow, computational fluid dynamics modelling, statistical methods, and experimental methods.

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 .

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 € 2541 per month in the first year to € 3247 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 we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

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!

The Faculty of 3mE carries out pioneering research, leading to new fundamental insights and challenging applications in the field of mechanical engineering. From large-scale energy storage, medical instruments, control technology and robotics to smart materials, nanoscale structures and autonomous ships. The foundations and results of this research are reflected in outstanding, contemporary education, inspiring students and PhD candidates to become socially engaged and responsible engineers and scientists. The faculty of 3mE is a dynamic and innovative faculty with an international scope and high-tech lab facilities. Research and education focus on the design, manufacture, application and modification of products, materials, processes and mechanical devices, contributing to the development and growth of a sustainable society, as well as prosperity and welfare.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Gabe Weymouth: [email protected].

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before 26 October 2022 via the application button and upload your motivation and CV.

  • 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.
  • Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.

For more information about the application procedure, please contact [email protected]


Bubbly flows may be a key to ship emission reduction and much more, but first we need to expand our understanding and modelling capability of these complex multi-physical systems.  

Bubbly two-phase flow is a typical and important feature of marine hydrodynamic applications as well as many other fields. From air entrained at the free surface due to breaking waves and water entry, to cavitation on propellers and high speed hydrofoils, and even drag reduction devices which could reduce shipping emissions.
Accurate modelling of mixed two-phase flows is challenging even before considering that real applications are typically turbulent and take place in saltwater, making this a true multi-physics problem.

The PhD candidate on this project will study these flows, using experimental facilities, direct numerical modelling, and statistical analysis. TU Delft has a range of appropriate experimental facilities including a new cavitation tunnel capable of running saltwater experiments. TU Delft has also opened its new two-petaflop DelftBlue supercomputer and the PhD candidate will have access to a validated direct numerical simulation two-phase flow solver for fresh water. The goal of the project will be to use and extend these tools to build a better understanding of turbulent two-phase flows, particularly in saltwater. 

Need-to-haves

  • Bachelors and Masters level degree in technical field (Engineering, Mathematics or Physics)
  • Expertise in fluid mechanics

Nice-to-have

  • Experience with two-phase flow, computational fluid dynamics modelling, statistical methods, and experimental methods.

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 .

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 € 2541 per month in the first year to € 3247 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 we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

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!

The Faculty of 3mE carries out pioneering research, leading to new fundamental insights and challenging applications in the field of mechanical engineering. From large-scale energy storage, medical instruments, control technology and robotics to smart materials, nanoscale structures and autonomous ships. The foundations and results of this research are reflected in outstanding, contemporary education, inspiring students and PhD candidates to become socially engaged and responsible engineers and scientists. The faculty of 3mE is a dynamic and innovative faculty with an international scope and high-tech lab facilities. Research and education focus on the design, manufacture, application and modification of products, materials, processes and mechanical devices, contributing to the development and growth of a sustainable society, as well as prosperity and welfare.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Gabe Weymouth: [email protected].

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before 26 October 2022 via the application button and upload your motivation and CV.

  • 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.
  • Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.

For more information about the application procedure, please contact [email protected]



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