PhD student position in convective cooling of hydropower generators

Information about the division
The project work is both numerical and experimental. We have developed and built an experimental rig for measurements of the cooling air flow in a geometry that resembles an electric generator. The manufacturing was done using rapid-prototyping (3D-printing), and we use pressure probes, hot-wire and PIV for the measurements. We have been part of an international development and validation of the numerical methods that are needed for that kind of application. We have until now focused on the flow of cooling air, and the numerical and experimental results are very similar. There is still work to be done to study how geometrical modifications influence the air flow, but we are confident enough to move on to conjugate heat transfer studies. For that we are currently investigating experimental and numerical methods that will be further developed in the present project.

Some of the actions in the present project are:

1: Evaluate and implement methods for convective heat transfer studies both in experiments and simulations.
2. Develop conjugate heat transfer functionality in simulations, coupling conduction and convection. Evaluate the possibility to do similar experimental studies.
3. Interact with the designers regarding thermal network simulations. Perform thermal network simulations to facilitate a good communication with the manufactures, and to improve our system knowledge. This should preferably be done using the same code as in industry.
4. Develop experimental and numerical procedures for determining new improved convective heat transfer coefficients, that are used in the thermal network models
5. Suggest and test generic design modifications that reduce the losses and enhance the convective heat transfer.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibilities as a PhD student is to pursue your own doctoral studies and to contribute to teaching activities. 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. The position includes teaching in Chalmers' undergraduate level courses or performing other duties corresponding to up to 20 percent of working hours.

Position summary
The position is a full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of 4.5 years full time PhD study.

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 with course(s) in fluid dynamics, course(s) in heat transfer, and course(s) in CFD. Course(s) in turbulence modeling is beneficial. The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in Swedish and English. If Swedish is not your native language, you should be able to teach in Swedish after two years. Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

The applicant should also have experience in CFD, and experience in measurement techniques. It is preferable with experience with OpenFOAM/FOAM-extend, C++, object oriented programming, Linux, LabView. The applicant should be able to work independently, to take responsibility, and produce results of high quality that can be published in good international journals. Some of the work will require collaborative skills.

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

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20160157 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically via Chalmers webpage.


Application deadline: 15 May 2016

For questions, please contact:
Professor Håkan Nilsson,
Fluid Dynamics,
hani@chalmers.se,
+46(0)31 772 1414

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