PhD student - diagnostics and modeling of gas-solids flow

The open PhD candidate position aims at obtaining unique experimental insight into gas-solids flow to facilitate the formulation of efficient large-scale simulations. Modeling of gas-solids flow is central for both advance in the scientific field of multiphase flow and development of industrial sectors applying gas-solids operations (e.g., energy, chemicals, pharmaceutics, metallurgy). The research work combines unique advanced experimental methods and state-of-the-art strategies in numerical modeling.

Project description
Modeling of gas-solids flow is currently limited by: i) insufficient reliability due to inaccurate descriptions of the flow parameters at the micro-scale, and ii) unaffordable computational costs of full-scale simulations. Having this, this project serves the purpose of developing reliable modeling of gas-solids flow by experimentally gaining novel knowledge of the gas-solids flow at the micro-scale and use it to improve the critical modeling expressions for sub-grid momentum transfer with validated descriptions. This is a critical aspect, since micro-scale gas-solids flow phenomena remain largely unknown despite they are recognized to govern the flow picture at the larger scales. To experimentally access the micro-scale, a unique and novel technique based on THz-radar will be employed which recently demonstrated unprecedented levels of resolution, accuracy, and penetration. Regarding the achievement of full-scale simulations at significantly lowered computing cost, the project will investigate application of state-of-the-art strategies in numerical modeling (recurrence computational fluid-dynamics and deep learning) to the field of gas-solids flow, departing from the improved flow formulation at the micro-scale.

The project is a collaboration between the division of Energy Technology and the division of Fluid Dynamics. The division of Energy Technology, which hosts a long and world-wide recognized expertise in the field of gas-solids fluidization for energy conversion applications, has driven the implementation of the radar-based measurement technique to diagnose solids flows. The division of Fluid Dynamics, which holds a front-running research group in modeling of multiphase flow, develops novel methods for the effectivization of large-scale simulations.

The project is funded by the Swedish Research Council through a research project grant.

Major responsibilities
As a PhD student your main responsibility is to manage your own doctoral studies, which includes the project research but also to undertake doctoral courses. A successful doctoral programme leading to the obtention of the doctoral degree is equivalent to four years of full-time studies, which includes the cited research and coursework, and also participation in seminars and conferences. Further, considering teaching duties, the position is expected to be five years-long in total.

You are expected to plan and organize your work, to work in close collaboration with other group members and partners, and to be able to communicate scientific results in English, both orally and in written form.


Qualifications
To qualify for the position, you need to have a MSc degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in a relevant technical field and with a proven interest in fluid dynamics. An excellent academic track record and strong motivation and commitment to scientific inquiry are expected.

Excellent writing and communication in English, and high social and cooperation skills are required.

Further, we value possession of general programming skills, experience in experimental work and research labs, in CFD modeling, and in gas-solids flows.

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 20230675 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.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. 

Application deadline: 2024-01-15



For questions, please contact:
Prof. David Pallarès, Div. Energy Technology,
david.pallares@chalmers.se, 0733689627

Prof. Henrik Ström, Div. Fluid Dynamics,
henrik.strom@chalmers.se, 0317721360

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