PhD Student in Energy Engineering with special emphasis on direct numerical simulations of a reacting particle

Luleå University of Technology is in strong growth with world-leading competence in several research areas. We shape the future through innovative education and ground-breaking research results, and based on the Arctic region, we create global social benefit. Our scientific and artistic research and education are conducted in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, public actors and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has a total turnover of SEK 1.9 billion per year. We currently have 1,840 employees and 17,670 students.

In the coming years, multi-billion investments will be made in large projects in Northern Sweden to create a fossil-free society both nationally and globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these cutting-edge research projects and in the societal transformation that they entail. We offer a broad range of courses and study programmes to match the skills in demand. We hope that you will help us to build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.

The Division of Energy Science at Luleå University of Technology seeks one PhD student in Energy Engineering. Your focus will be on particle-resolved direct numerical simulations of reacting biomass particles in a gas flow.

Subject description
Energy Engineering concerns the development of technologies and processes in order to build a sustainable energy supply. The research focuses on bioenergy technologies and energy efficiency in industry and society. Our research has high international standards, and we collaborate with researchers and the industry around the world.

Project description
The position is funded by Swedish Research Council through the project " Heat and Mass Transfer of Reactive Porous Particles”.

The purpose of this project is to contribute to the development of a high-fidelity simulation model for the development of low-carbon technologies, such as biofuel production and thermochemical energy storage. Particularly, the project focuses on heat and mass transfer inside reacting fuel particles and in their surroundings. The main aims are to build a better understanding of how different types of chemical reactions affect intra-particle transport phenomena, different pore size distribution affects the transport phenomena, and internal and external transport phenomena interact under various conditions of surrounding flows.

The majority of this project will be carried out by particle-resolve direct numerical simulations (PR-DNS). With the new insight obtained from the simulations, we will also aim to develop simple closure models describing the above effects. The project will fill the knowledge gap that must be closed before one can build a reliable and efficient simulation tool for pulverised biomass combustion and gasification, but that is also applicable for any gas-solid reaction systems, such as metal combustion, in part.

Duties
As a PhD student, most of your working time will be devoted to your own research project. You are expected to carry out numerical studies within your project. You work independently with your research and communicate your results in scientific journals and through participation in national and international conferences. You also study third-cycle courses. In addition, you can have the opportunity to try the teacher role. As a researcher, you work as a neutral party in many contexts, which provides a great opportunity to be involved in challenging development projects. You will have three supervisors who support you in your work (Prof. Umeki, Adj Prof. Haugen, and Prof. Sayadi).

Qualifications
We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate with the ability to work both independently and as a member of a team. You have a master’s degree in applied physics, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or equivalent. Those who are expected to receive a master’s degree during the first half of 2024 are also encouraged to apply for the position.

Additional requirements

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English
• Good theoretical background in numerical analysis
• Documented programming skills
• Good skills in academic writing
• Ability to work independently and take own initiatives as well as being able to penetrate new research areas on your own

The following competencies and knowledge are meritorious

• Experiences in computational fluid dynamics
• Knowledge of multiphase flows
• Knowledge of transport phenomena
• Knowledge of chemical reaction kinetics
• Thermochemical conversion technologies.

See also Technical field of study general syllabi | Luleå tekniska universitet (ltu.se)

Most employees at the subject of Energy Engineering are currently men, therefore we welcome female applicants.

Further information
Employment as a PhD student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other department duties may be added with max 20%. You will be employed at Luleå University of Technology, and be located in Luleå, Sweden. The expected starting date is 1st September 2024.

For further information about the position, please contact:
Professor Kentaro Umeki, +46 (0)920-49 2484, [email protected]
Adjunct Professor Nils Erland Haugen, [email protected] ; [email protected]
Prof. Taraneh Sayadi, Conservatoire Nationale Arts et Métiers (le CNAM), France, [email protected]
Professor Marcus Öhman, Head of Division, +46 (0)920-49 1977, [email protected]

Union representatives:
SACO-S Kjell Johansson (+46)920-49 1529 [email protected]
OFR-S Lars Frisk, (+46)920-49 1792 [email protected]

In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

Application
Your application should include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish.

Send in your application via the apply button below. Mark your application with the reference number.

Last day of application:March 29, 2024
Reference number: 397-2024

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