PhD Student Position in CFD Simulations of Automotive eFans

Information about the research/the project/the division
The Department of Mechanics and Maritime Sciences has a multidisciplinary research portfolio, exhibiting strong theoretical and experimental skills within seven research divisions in mechanical engineering and maritime sciences. We are able to implement unique combinations of physical and theoretical modelling, using in-house competitive research facilities and through access to our partners’ infrastructures. For instance, our commitment to the Chalmers wind tunnel lab infrastructure which is closely connected to the research group involved in this Ph.D. project. The research at the Division covers turbulent flow (both compressible and incompressible), aero-acoustics and turbomachines. Our tools include both computations and experiments. The research covers a wide range of topics. In some research projects the smallest turbulent scales are studied whereas in others the function of a complete gas turbine is analyzed and modelled.

Working as a PhD student requires a great deal of creativity and ability to think "outside the box". Furthermore, the current project involves cooperation with two industrial partners, implying that collabroative and communicative skills will be essential. We therefore expect that you have an interest to further develop your competence with regard to project management and the various forms of communication needed (orally and in writing, in meetings, at conferences, between project participants and to stakeholders).

The fundamental scientific question that needs to be answered is how typical (generic) disturbances impact the aerodynamic performance of electric fans in typical electric vehicle applications. The study is conducted primarily through simulations with support from validating tests. Hence, CFD simulation tools and methods have to be developed/improved. The impact of generic disturbances (such as the components present in the vehicle under-hood compartment) on fan performance, will then be investigated. Both single fan and multi-fan cluster concepts will be studied. Advanced experimental methods and equipment will be used for validation of the simulation results. The work is intended to lead to reduce power consumption and to provide efficient cooling of vulnerable electronic components. It will, thus, have positive impact on efficiency, driving range, safety, quality and performance.

-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 at the involved departments. PhD studies also includes a number of doctoral courses, reviewing literature, designing research studies, interacting with other PhD students and industrial partners, 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.

Position summary
The position is a full-time temporary employment limited to a maximum of 4,5 years.

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in a relevant field. The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. If Swedish is not your native language, you should be able to teach in Swedish after two years. Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

You like to work independently and you plan and think strategically. You are creative and like to put new ideas into practice. You have a solid interest in scientific computing, and you understand and are able to handle numerical codes and data quickly and correctly. You like to work in interdisciplinary projects and you have the ability to discuss and communicate your work with people of different backgrounds. We also believe that you are a motivated person, with a strong curiosity and a genuine wish to learn more and develop your skills and knowledge further in the fields of research, research communication and project management.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

About application procedure here

Application deadline: 15 June 2020

For questions, please contact:
Sassan Etemad, sassan.etemad@chalmers.se
Niklas Andersson, niklas.andersson@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. ***