Vacancies
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PhD position combining theory, high-fidelity computing and validation with experimental data concerning plasma enhanced gasification of circular carbon resources
Job description
Anthropogenic activities have broken the natural carbon cycle, and it is becoming urgent to find alternative, more sustainable routes to energy conversion. Hydrogen is a very versatile energy carrier, typically used as an intermediate before being further valorized via subsequent catalytic approaches and intensified reactor technologies. Production of hydrogen from thermochemical processes involving biomass holds great promise to help with the energy transition from fossil fuels.
Gasification is a conversion path which proceeds at high temperatures (> 800°C) in an oxygen-starved environment, to produce syngas from a feedstock like biomass. Many such processes are being experimentally investigated, but variability in yields and overall reactor performances (including fouling) remain a hindrance to scale-up. A viable technology will require for us to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms at the core of the reactors: coupling between fluid flow and chemistry, coupling between solid phase and fluid flow, solid phase decomposition, pollutant formation (including tars), impact of design choices and biomass type, etc. Classical, experimentally based investigation methods, often fall short of providing sufficient details for a deep understanding because of the extreme conditions. Numerical simulations can prove very valuable to help at the design stage and to develop efficient control strategies; but they need to be of sufficiently high fidelity to gain useful input. High-fidelity modelling, while still expensive, is considered more and more due to the continuous development of computational resources. The advent of GPUs, in particular, has recently enabled realistic multiscale simulations of processes (https://mfix.netl.doe.gov/research/applications/) and combustion devices (https://youtu.be/XNKDs0mkym0?feature=shared). Indeed, CFD methods are at a more advanced stage in other engineering fields bearing similitudes with the complex multiphase reacting flows at the core of gasifiers.
The objective of the present PhD research proposal is to develop and leverage an already existing exa-scale friendly CFD modeling framework to advance the knowledge of novel plasma-enhanced biomass gasification systems. A big part of the thesis will be spent on investigating the best approach for magneto-hydrodynamics (MHD) modelling to include the plasma phase. Open questions related to devolatilization and char oxidation as well as the modeling of the two-way gas/solid coupling could also be investigated. Frequent interactions with another student performing experimental work with an in-house microwave-driven plasma gasification system are expected; and the available data will be used to validate numerical results.
Requirements
- We seek a motivated candidate (f/m/x) with strong communication and self-management skills, who is passionate about advancing the state of computational tools in order to help with the energy transition.
- The successful candidate holds a MSc. degree in computational science, applied physics, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering or a similar degree.
- Some experience with coding (Python, Fortran, C++ etc.) is required, affinity with computational methods and fluid dynamics is preferred.
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.
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Are you interested in new problems at the interface between fluid dynamics and biology? Are you excited about hands-on experimental work in a multidisciplinary environment? We are looking for an enthusiastic PhD candidate to develop new experiments to track microbial life in flows.
Job description
Photosynthetic microalgae hold promise for the sustainable production of high-value products, bioplastics, biofuels, and future engineering living materials. Flowing suspensions of living microalgae cells represent a new kind of living fluid that physiologically responds to the environment and flow conditions. New insight into the flow dynamics of these living microalgae suspensions is crucial to model algae blooms or develop new flow technologies for bioreactors.
The Ph.D. position is available within the project “Flow4Algae”. This experimental project aims to understand the multiscale fluid dynamics of living microalgae suspensions. We are particularly interested in the interplay between flow conditions, cell physiology, and cell growth. Each different project will focus on flow conditions ranging from linear shear flows in microfluidics to weak turbulence. In this project, you will design new multiscale experiments and analytical tools for the different flow regimes. These studies will be conducted in the BioFluids Laboratory in TU Delft and will use the infrastructure in the laboratory, including advanced flow diagnostics (Particle Image Velocimetry, Particle Tracking Velocimetry, and Laser Induced Fluorescence), microscopy (3D tracking multi-view microscopy and Fluorescence), rheology tools, microfluidics, and existing flow dynamics setups.
As a Ph.D., you will be part of a vibrant team of researchers working on the project Flow4Algae, with diverse backgrounds and expertise. The group is part of the Process & Energy Department, which thrives to conduct world-class research & education focusing on process & energy technologies for sustainable development.
Requirements
We are looking for enthusiastic and inquisitive researchers who want to develop their know-how and experience in a challenging academic environment. The successful candidate should have:
- A MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering, (Applied) Physics, Maritime Technology, Aeronautics, or equivalent degree with a strong background in fluid mechanics is a prerequisite.
- Experience in conducting experimental work is regarded as a strength.
- A critical and inquisitive attitude with regard to results is expected.
- Ability to function both in a team and independently.
- Strong communication skills, and both oral and written proficiency in English.
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.
PhD Students Andrea Mangel Raventos and Allesanro Cavalli in 2 minutes about working at Process and Energy.
Associate Professor Daniel Tam in 2 minutes about working at Process and Energy.