2 PhD position in Mechanical Engineering, Netherlands (2015)

2 PhD positions in Flow-Induced Vibrations: The Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) has a vacancy for 2 PhD positions in Flow-Induced Vibrations (V35.2431) in the Energy Technology group in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

A key challenge in the design of many high-precision systems is the provision of effective water cooling for sensitive components while avoiding unacceptable levels of flow-induced vibrations. For this reason, understanding both the generation of flow disturbances by local components (e.g. sharp bends and restrictions) and their effect in producing vibration forces in the wider system is a matter of great interest. This falls within the wider context of fluid-structure interaction which is an active research topic in many fields of application.

This exciting new project, sponsored jointly by ASML, Philips, TNO and TU Eindhoven aims to deepen the understanding of this phenomenon so as to improve both its prediction and control. The induced vibrations can be caused by turbulence, flow instability or a combination of the two and their effect can be transmitted far from their source by acoustic pressure waves traveling through the water.

The overall study is divided into two PhD projects: one focusing on the sources of disturbance and one on the dynamic response of the wider flow circuit, though close collaboration between the projects is expected.

PhD 1: focusing on the turbulent, separated flows which give rise to the disturbances. While these are well documented in terms, for example, of static pressure drop, much less is known about their dynamic behavior and the link to the generation of low-frequency plane-wave disturbances. It is expected that a combination of experimental, theoretical and computational approaches will be used to try and unlock the key underlying mechanisms.

PhD 2: focusing on the transmission of pressure disturbances through the wider flow circuit. The circuits of interest contain combinations of rigid, elastic and viscoelastic pipes, channels and hoses, leading to subtle and complex behavior as pressure waves are generated, reflected and damped. It is expected that a combination of experiments, theoretical developments and numerical modeling will be used to study the effect of disturbance spectra, damping mechanisms and the conversion of pressure waves in the water into forces on the structure.

Job requirements

An MSC in mechanical engineering or another to this research topic related field. It is expected that a combination of experiments, theoretical and/or computational approaches and numerical modeling will be will be used during this PhD trajectory;
Excellent analytical and communication skills;
Good communication skills in English, both written and oral.

Key Conditions for employment – We offer:

A challenging job at a dynamic and ambitious university and in an enthusiastic team;
An appointment for four years;
Gross monthly salaries are in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement of the Dutch Universities (CAO NU), increasing from € 2125 per month initially, to € 2717 in the fourth year;
An attractive package of fringe benefits, including excellent work facilities, end of the year allowance and sport facilities.

Information and application

For further information on this vacancy you can contact:
Prof.dr.ir. D.M.J. Smeulders (mail: d.m.j.smeulders@tue.nl, phone: +31(0)40 247 2923;
Prof.dr.ir. I. Lopez Arteaga (mail: i.lopez@tue.nl, phone: +31(0)40-247 2611.

For information concerning employment conditions you can contact:
Mrs. Susan Opgenoorth, (mail: s.g.j.opgenoorth@tue.nl, phone: +31(0)40 247 4465).

The Mechanical Engineering Department focuses on research in the field of product and process design and manufacturing. The crux of the department is devoted to designing, analyzing, improving and manufacturing new products and processes, as well as the materials needed for this.

Apply now