PhD student position in virtual predictions of sensor soiling

We are going to employ the recurrence computational fluid dynamics (rCFD) method to investigate sensor soiling in automotive applications. Sensors are crucial for active safety, advanced driver assistance systems and automated driving applications. Current computational methods are not yet efficient enough to be used in near-real time when evaluating vehicle exterior designs to minimize sensor soiling, but successful application of the rCFD method has the potential to change that.

We are therefore looking for a creative new colleague that wants to take on this challenge together with us. We are offering a position as a PhD student in the Multiphase Flow group at the Division of Fluid Dynamics. The group has approximately 15 members of varying backgrounds and research interests. The project is carried out in close collaboration with Volvo Cars and CEVT (China Euro Vehicle Technology AB).

Information about the research and the project
Modern vehicles rely on sensors for everything from driver support systems to fully automated driving. It is thus very important that sensors are placed such that soiling from dust, water, snow is as mild and slow as possible. In practice, the exterior vehicle design should harmonize with the placement of sensors. As these issues need to be resolved early on in the development phase, accurate simulation models are needed. Such models need to account for the turbulent flow field around the vehicle and how this flow transports different types of contaminants towards the surface. A major challenge is then that accurate simulations of such flows are very computationally expensive, while sensor soiling is a slow phenomenon. In conclusion, the simulation times required are so long that the simulations become intractable.

In this project, we will speed up virtual predictions of sensor soiling by applying the so-called rCFD method. This method uses a minimal database of highly resolved simulation data to time-extrapolate the aerodynamic process in a very efficient way. In other applications, rCFD has been shown to improve simulation times by several orders of magnitude while maintaining acceptable accuracy. Our ambition is here to develop an experimentally validated rCFD methodology for virtual predictions of sensor soiling in automotive applications. The work will comprise high-fidelity simulations of vehicle aerodynamics, both for simplified test objects and for real vehicles, as well as experimental validation tests, plus implementation and optimization of the rCFD method for the current class of problems.

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. Your research will be supervised by several well-reputed senior researchers and experts from industry, offering a supportive environment for performing cutting-edge research. The position also includes teaching or other departmental duties corresponding to 10-20 % of working hours.

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a MSc degree in a relevant field. We are looking for a self-propelled and highly motivated person that plans and thinks strategically. You are creative and like to put new ideas into practice. You also have a solid interest in scientific computing and a strong natural curiosity with a genuine wish to learn more and develop your skills and knowledge further in the fields of research, research communication and project management.

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.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to 4.5-5 years depending on the amount of teaching and departmental work during your doctoral project.

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/en/about-chalmers/Working-at-Chalmers/Vacancies/Pages/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=10356&rmlang=UK

Application deadline: 16 April 2022. 

For questions, please contact:
Professor Henrik Ström, Fluid Dynamics
Email: henrik.strom@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. *** 
   



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!