PhD student position in Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI)

The Department of Mechanics and Maritime Sciences is now looking for a PhD student who wants to contribute to the goal of cutting the emission of greenhouse gases from international sea transportation. Wind assisted ship propulsion is one way to reach this goal and there is a large interest from the shipping industry for this technique. In addition to Chalmers the project engages both a ship owner and a small company where the concept for wind assisted ship propulsion was developed. You will be part of the Division of Marine Technology and have the possibility, not only to develop state of the art knowledge in your field of research, but also to develop yourself through a combined theoretical and practical approach for the task.

Information about the department and the division
At the Department of Mechanics and Maritime Sciences, Division of Marine Technology, fundamental and applied research for enabling the development and improvement of marine technology are carried out. We make propellers last longer and be quieter, we reduce the drag and improve the seakeeping properties of hulls, we design structures that perform better in collisions and require lower maintenance, we do all this and much more. All our activities are best presented through our core competences: Renewable energy, Energy efficiency, Structural integrity, Hydrodynamics, Ship design, Safety and reliability, Propulsion systems, Wave dynamics and Numerical methods. Besides research, our division is also involved in education at the master's and doctoral level. We supervise PhD students and deliver PhD courses. All courses are available to Master and PhD students from other divisions or universities as elective courses.

Project description
The International Maritime Organization has decided to cut the emission of greenhouse gases from international sea transportation with at least 50% until 2050 compared to 2008 with the goal to reach a zero level as soon as possible. One way to meet these requirements is to use sailing ships. Several concepts have been suggested such as fixed sails, Flettner rotors and kites. In this project a telescopic foldable sail concept will be: (a) designed, (b) evaluated by numerical methods and (c) be implemented in a simulation code. The PhD project mainly concerns the evaluation using numerical methods. It is believed that the deformation of the sails is large in strong winds and that the deformation has a large impact on the aerodynamics of the sails. This is a Fluid-Structure-Interaction (FSI) problem which requires both structural analysis and analysis of the aerodynamics of the sail.

A major part of the work is to develop and validate numercal models for computation of fluid flow around the sails and for the structural response of the sail-rig. After validaton the numerical models are combined in the FSI analysis.  

Major responsibilities
As a PhD student, your major responsibilities are 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. The majority of your time will be devoted to the research. PhD student positions also include teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level and performing other departmental duties, corresponding in total to 10-20% of the working time. In addition, the PhD education includes taking courses corresponding to 60 ECTS credits.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.You are expected to write a mid-term licentiate thesis and defend your doctoral thesis within 4.5 years.

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.

Application procedure
To apply, please go to: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/Working-at-Chalmers/Vacancies/Pages/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=9130

 
Application deadline: 20 January, 2021