PhD position Wall bounded turbulence: from the instantaneous to the statistical

Coherent structures in turbulence and their time footprints: an experimental investigation in moderate and high-Re number flows.

One of the still open questions in wall turbulence is to link instantaneous flow features with the currently available wealth of statistical insights: how are these structures "put together" in time in order to create the well-established statistical picture? This is especially crucial in high-Reynolds number flows, which are still unattainable by direct numerical simulations and for which time-resolved experimental data are relatively scarce.

The goal of this PhD project is to fill this gap in available data but also in the subsequent analysis.The focus will be coherent structures in the logarithmic and wake regions and specifically their time footprint and evolution. The results will be pivotal both from a fundamental standpoint but more importantly as input for fine-tuning low-order models and optimizing drag reduction strategies, many of which still rely on statistical information.

To achieve this goal, you will design and perform high-quality experiments in moderate-to high-Reynolds number turbulent boundary layers, by employing state-of-the-art high-speed systems in water flows, covering hundreds of boundary layer turnover times. You will also develop novel analytical tools based on both numerical and experimental data that will reveal the temporal characteristics of structures in the log and wake regions and their scalings.

As a PhD student, you will be part of a vibrant team of researchers in the Fluid Dynamics and Multiphase Systems groups, with diverse backgrounds and expertise, and you will have the chance to travel to international conferences to present your work. This PhD position is funded by AFOSR and will be supervised by Assistant prof. Angeliki Laskari and Prof. Christian Poelma from the Multiphase systems group. The group is part of the Process & Energy Department, which aspires to conduct world-class research & education focusing on sustainable process & energy technologies, to enable the energy transition. The research is conducted from a deep understanding of the underlying physics and is oriented towards industrial applications and societal needs. 

You should have the following qualifications:

• MSc. degree in mechanical, aerospace engineering, applied physics or a closely related field.
• Strong background in fluid mechanics (and ideally turbulence), preferably with some experimental experience.
• Strong mathematical/computational background (Matlab, Python, C).
• Fluent communication skills in English, both in written and oral. For non-native speakers, this can be proven through IELTS or TOEFL (not necessary at the time of application), or by showing that you have attended a master program fully taught in English. Note that this is a hard constraint for all PhD candidates at TU Delft.

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 € 2443 per month in the first year to € 3122 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 and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct ). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

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? This video will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

For more information about this project, please contact Dr. Angeliki Laskari ([email protected] ).

For information about the application procedure, please contact Nathalie van Benthem, HR advisor, e-mail: [email protected] .     

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply by June 1st, 2022 via the application button and upload your:

• Motivation letter.
• Detailed CV.
• Names and contact information of two references.

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

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

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.

Coherent structures in turbulence and their time footprints: an experimental investigation in moderate and high-Re number flows.

One of the still open questions in wall turbulence is to link instantaneous flow features with the currently available wealth of statistical insights: how are these structures "put together" in time in order to create the well-established statistical picture? This is especially crucial in high-Reynolds number flows, which are still unattainable by direct numerical simulations and for which time-resolved experimental data are relatively scarce.

The goal of this PhD project is to fill this gap in available data but also in the subsequent analysis.The focus will be coherent structures in the logarithmic and wake regions and specifically their time footprint and evolution. The results will be pivotal both from a fundamental standpoint but more importantly as input for fine-tuning low-order models and optimizing drag reduction strategies, many of which still rely on statistical information.

To achieve this goal, you will design and perform high-quality experiments in moderate-to high-Reynolds number turbulent boundary layers, by employing state-of-the-art high-speed systems in water flows, covering hundreds of boundary layer turnover times. You will also develop novel analytical tools based on both numerical and experimental data that will reveal the temporal characteristics of structures in the log and wake regions and their scalings.

As a PhD student, you will be part of a vibrant team of researchers in the Fluid Dynamics and Multiphase Systems groups, with diverse backgrounds and expertise, and you will have the chance to travel to international conferences to present your work. This PhD position is funded by AFOSR and will be supervised by Assistant prof. Angeliki Laskari and Prof. Christian Poelma from the Multiphase systems group. The group is part of the Process & Energy Department, which aspires to conduct world-class research & education focusing on sustainable process & energy technologies, to enable the energy transition. The research is conducted from a deep understanding of the underlying physics and is oriented towards industrial applications and societal needs. 

You should have the following qualifications:

• MSc. degree in mechanical, aerospace engineering, applied physics or a closely related field.
• Strong background in fluid mechanics (and ideally turbulence), preferably with some experimental experience.
• Strong mathematical/computational background (Matlab, Python, C).
• Fluent communication skills in English, both in written and oral. For non-native speakers, this can be proven through IELTS or TOEFL (not necessary at the time of application), or by showing that you have attended a master program fully taught in English. Note that this is a hard constraint for all PhD candidates at TU Delft.

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 € 2443 per month in the first year to € 3122 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 and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct ). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

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? This video will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

For more information about this project, please contact Dr. Angeliki Laskari ([email protected] ).

For information about the application procedure, please contact Nathalie van Benthem, HR advisor, e-mail: [email protected] .     

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply by June 1st, 2022 via the application button and upload your:

• Motivation letter.
• Detailed CV.
• Names and contact information of two references.

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

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

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.