PhD position: Understanding the influence of grain morphology and mesostructure on the initiation and runout of submarine la...

26 Mar 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

University of Twente (UT)

Research Field

Technology

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Netherlands

Application Deadline

15 Apr 2024 - 21:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Not Applicable

Hours Per Week

38.0

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

We are seeking a full time PhD researcher with interests in granular physics, geomechanics, computer modelling and the discrete element methods (DEM) to join University of Twente (Netherlands) and work on micro- and meso-scale modelling to understand the initiation and dynamics of submarine landslides.
This project is part of the EU funded Marie Curie Doctoral Network POSEIDON – Improve offshore infrastructure resilience against geohazards towards a changing climate (www.poseidon-dn.eu ). The overarching objective of POSEIDON is to develop solutions to improve the resilience of offshore infrastructures. POSEIDON will train 13 researchers within a collaborative multidisciplinary and inter-sectorial network involving 9 universities, 3 research institutes and 4 industrial partners across Europe.

Background and aim:
Hydromechanical phenomena at the pore scale, such as the development of elevated water pressure, and how they are coupled to the soil’s mesostructure, are key to the initiation and runout of submarine landslides. The fact that different regimes, e.g., quasi-static or fast-flowing, of the coupled particle-fluid systems interplay with the material’s particle- and meso-scale structures makes the prediction of submarine granular flows, from initiation to run-out, a scientific as well as a practical challenge.

Fully-resolved simulations of particle-fluid systems can be used to study the macroscopic behaviour of saturated granular materials. The effects of particle shapes and the mesostructure on the hydrodynamic coupling to the pore fluid can all be investigated with the coupled Lattice Boltzmann-Discrete Element Method.

We aim to develop a hydro-micromechanical model of realistic granular soils using fully-resolved direct numerical simulation techniques, focusing on representative volume elements (RVEs). The goal is to understand the role of grain morphology and mesostructure in the avalanching and resting processes during submarine landslides, at various overpressure conditions.

Objectives:
i) Apply an existing LBM-DEM numerical model to simulate the collapse of dense/loose granular masses over an inclined plane subjected to sudden increase of pore pressure;

ii) Incorporate realistic particle shapes in the LBM-DEM model and study the effect of grain morphology hydromechanical behaviour at NGI;

iii) Compare and validate the simulations at point i) and ii) with the pilot-scale laboratory experiments on granular–liquid mixtures at the Free University of Bolzano;

iv) Coarse grain particle scale information into continuum fields and understand the mass/momentum transfer and energy dissipation mechanisms that contribute to the triggering and runout of saturated granular flows.

Expected Results:
i) A novel hydro-micromechanical numerical tool for modelling saturated granular masses in submarine landslides;

ii) A deep understanding of the interplay between structural properties (e.g., morphology and mesostructure) and pore water pressure on the saturated granular flows.

Planned Secondment(s):
Dr. Nallathamby Sivasithamparam (NGI, 6 months): integrate particle shape within LBM-DEM.

Dr. Michele Larcher (Free University of Bolzano, 3 months): perform experiments in the inclined channel experimental device on dense/loose granular slopes and compare with simulations.

Requirements
Specific Requirements

• Obtained a MSc degree in a relevant field such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, computational physics, applied mathematics, materials science, or related areas;
• Good knowledge of fluid-coupled particulate systems in slow and/or fast motion;
• Sound programming skills in C/C++, Fortran, Python or equivalent;
• Experience with the discrete element method or other particle-based numerical methods would be advantageous;
• You are an excellent teammate, able to collaborate intensively with industrial and academic parties in regular meetings and work visits;
• An appropriate qualification in the English Language together with excellent communication and organizational skills
• We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status. Women are encouraged to apply for this position. This is part of the University of Twente’s strategy toward a diverse and inclusive working environment, supportive of excellence in research and education.

Additional Information
Benefits

We offer you a very exciting position in an inspiring multidisciplinary environment. The university offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues in which internationalization is an important part of the strategic agenda.

• We offer a full-time 4-year PhD-position, with excellent mentorship and a stimulating research environment.
• Collaborations with a dedicated, dynamic research team and external parties from several European countries involved in the POSEIDON project.
• The gross monthly salary will be ranging from € 2.770,00 (first year), increasing each year up to € 3.539,00 in the fourth year. Salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
• You will have a minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours.
• A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
• We offer excellent fringe benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, a solid pension scheme, free access to sports facilities and a family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).
• The University of Twente is situated on a green and lively campus with lots of facilities for sports and other activities.

Additional comments

As a PhD candidate, you will be enrolled in the University of Twente. The Ph.D project will be conducted under the supervision of prof. V. Magnanimo and dr. Hongyang Cheng. An extended Supervisory Committee, including academic and industrial supervisors from The POSEIDON consortium, will guide the candidate during his/her PhD.

Please submit your application before 15 April 2024 via the ‘Apply now’ button, including:

• Cover Letter: A maximum of two A4 pages, highlighting your specific interest in the position, your qualifications, and motivations for applying. This letter should clearly articulate how your background and experiences align with the requirements of this project
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV): The CV, should include, if applicable, a list of publications;
• Bachelor and Master transcripts;
• Contact Details of Referees: Provide the names and contact information of individuals who can professionally vouch for your qualifications and suitability for this position.

Master students who will graduate in the next coming months are welcome to apply. In that case, please provide an overview of the transcripts that are already available.

The deadline for application is 15 April 2024. The intended starting date is 1 September 2024, at latest.

You are welcome to contact prof. dr. Vanessa Magnanimo (email v. [email protected] ) or dr. Hongyang Cheng (email: [email protected] ) for any questions you might have.

The first round of selection interviews is scheduled few weeks after the closure of the applications and interviews can be held through Microsoft Teams. A second round of interviews may be scheduled if necessary.

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/339495/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Universiteit Twente

Country

Netherlands

City

Enschede

Postal Code

7522NB

Street

Drienerlolaan 5

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/339495/phd-position-understanding-the-influ…

Contact

City

Enschede

Website

http://www.universiteittwente.nl/

Street

Drienerlolaan 5

Postal Code

7522 NB

STATUS: EXPIRED