PhD position in aerothermal design of heat-exchangers for aircraft

The aim of this Ph.D. position is to investigate and provide experimental proof of concept of climate friendly propulsion technology with the potential to substantially reduce non-CO2 and CO2 emissions in aviation. The project involves investigating heat-management concepts for forward looking ultra-efficient propulsion architectures and will target the maturation of technologies from conceptualization all the way to experimental validation. The research is highly multidisciplinary and will revolve around the aerothermal and mechanical design of aerospace grade light-weight compact heat-exchanger technology. The work includes both numerical modeling and experimental validation of novel concepts in collaboration with some of Europe's top institutions in aerospace and engine OEM’s.

Information about the research project
The research group of turbomachinery and aeroacoustics consists of two professors, one associate professor, one researcher and 10 Ph.D. students. The group works mainly within the area of turbomachinery applications for aeroengines. The research focus is on system analysis, engine concept evaluation, and detailed high speed compressible flow in compressors, turbines, transition ducts, heat-exchangers, combustors/afterburners and nozzles. 

The project will rely on the group capability to conceptually design ultra-light compact heat-exchanger technology and provide experimental proof-of concept in our lab facilities. Additionally, for future engine applications, we see a need to develop synergistic heat management concepts that exploit the heat sink capacity of hydrogen, converging into concepts that are more fuel efficient, flexible and reliable. Hence, the design of more integrated heat-management technology, that converges into the optimal use of the heat-flows in future engine applications, is needed.

The project is run as a large EU collaborative effort between Chalmers, top European institutions on aerospace research and engine OEM’s. Additionally, it establishes contacts with a wide range of potential future employers in the aircraft engine industry. It is also the intention that, as part of the Ph.D. position, a 2-4 month research stay at an internationally well-established university will be made.

The position will be a part of the Division of Fluid Dynamics. The details of the departmental research activities may be found here.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibilities as a PhD student is to pursue your own doctoral studies. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing, both in Swedish and in English. Your research will be supervised by well-reputed senior researchers and since the group has a strong position in aircraft propulsion you will be encouraged to collaborate with fellow students on publications and courses. The everyday work also means taking a number of doctoral courses, reviewing literature, designing research studies, interacting with industrial companies, collecting and analysing empirical data, and reporting research results.

The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to up to 10 percent of working hours.

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Physics, Engineering Chemistry with Physics or equivalent with special interest within relevant fields in fluid dynamics, turbomachinery. The position requires oral and written communication skills in English. Swedish is not required, but you will be encouraged to learn Swedish during employment. Experience with multidisciplinary design in aerospace technology, programming (Python, Matlab), experience with prototyping, hands-on experience with CFD tools, writing of scientific papers are meritorious.

As the work will be conducted in a highly multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment cultural awareness and good collaboration and communication skills are important. It is important that you are quality conscious and have a numerical analytic ability. As a PhD student you must be self-propelled and motivated. We are looking for a team-player that supports a healthy job environment where honesty, respect, and transparency are among our core values

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of 4.5 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.

Learn more and apply on Chalmers website: https://www.chalmers.se/sv/om-chalmers/Arbeta-pa-Chalmers/lediga-tjanster/Sidor/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=10635&rmlang=SE

Application deadline: August 1, 2022

*** 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 conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!