PhD: Compact aero engines with adaptive cooling and variable compression

For this Ph.D. position you will gain a broad understanding of propulsion systems and aircraft performance, based on the aerodynamic and heat transfer capabilities of critical engine components. The project will couple complex system modelling with CFD and preliminary mechanical analysis to perform early concept analysis.

Information about the department and the division
The department of Mechanics and Maritime Sciences at Chalmers conduct fundamental and applied research in all modes of transport. The division of Fluid Dynamics is one of the seven divisions within the department. Research at the division covers turbulent flow (both compressible and incompressible), aeroacoustics, and turbomachines. The research group of turbomachinery and aeroacoustics, consisting of two professors, one associate professor, one assistant professor, two researchers and nine Ph.D. students, is part of the fluid dynamics division.

Focusing on propulsion system level modeling, the project will establish new understanding of the limitations of future aircraft concepts. This is achieved by a sequence of designs with increasing complexity, modeling key engine performance limitations such as flow variability and the ability to adapt heat flows in the engine along different mission points. In-house and commercial tools will be used to model and conceptually design aircraft and propulsion system. We use primarily commercial CFD tools together with in-house methods for geometry generation to study adaptive cooling and variable compression.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibilities as a PhD student is to pursue your own doctoral studies. You are expected to conduct research activities in a national research project on climate evaluation of aircraft operation, and to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing. The position also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 percent of working hours. You are expected to write a licentiate thesis within 2-3 years and defend your doctoral thesis within 4-5 years.

Read more about doctoral studies at Chalmers here.

Qualifications
To qualify for this position, you must have a master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education (ECTS) credits in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Engineering Physics or equivalent. Other master programmes in addition to the ones listed above may be considered if documented advanced courses in related to cloud formation, climate physics, aircraft propulsion, aircraft design, aircraft navigation, trajectory optimization, multidisciplinary analysis, data science are provided.

You should also have:
- Good skill in programming, preferably python and fortran.
- Good written and verbal English communication skills are essential.
- Analytical skills, communication skills and a passion to combine theory and practice.

Additional merits that are considered:
- Experience in interdisciplinary cooperation, as well as experience in collaborations with partners outside academia are meritorious.
- Publications in related field

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with reference number 20240368 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, reference number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, ref.number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. 

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered.


Application deadline: 2024-07-20



For questions, please contact:
Professor, Tomas Grönstedt,
tomas.gronstedt@chalmers.se

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
   



Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.