Description

A PhD position is available at the Department of Energy and Process Engineering, in the Fluids Mechanics research group. The position is financed by the Department of Energy and Process Engineering.

Turbulence in omnipresent in flows of engineering interest, yet we do not have a full understanding of its fundamental nature or specific impact on engineering applications. For instance, we know the difference between how a wing performs in laminar flow and in turbulent flow, but we do not completely understand the influence of the various parameters of a turbulent flow on the lift and drag of the wing. A turbulent flow can be described by several parameters, including its intensity, anisotropy, and the size of the length scales it contains. We struggle to understand the independent effects of these parameters because we do not have a systematic way to experimentally vary them independently.

Over the past two decades, active grids have become a common methodology for controlling the turbulence in experimental test facilities. These devices are electromechanical systems consisting of paddles controlled by stepper motors that are actuated in a controlled fashion to create a transient, but controlled, blockage to the passing fluid. They thus allow for some degree of control over the produced turbulence. A video of an active grid is available here.

The project will consist of designing, building, and testing an active grid for the new water channel at NTNU. Subsequently, measurements will be performed with to characterize the apparatus. The candidate will then be able to choose an aerodynamic body of their liking to place into the various turbulent flows to ascertain the impact of turbulence on the lift, drag, and wake of that body.

Qualifications

The successful applicant should be enthusiastic and highly motivated, be able to work well both independently and with other researchers, and have a strong background in fundamental or applied fluid mechanics. Applicants should have a Masters degree and an excellent academic track record in Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics or equivalent. Good programming skills in MATLAB or other similar packages is essential. Experience working with electromechanical systems and CAD is strongly desired.

Conditions

PhD Candidates are remunerated in code 1017, and are normally remunerated at gross NOK 432,300 before tax. There will be a 2 % deduction to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund from gross wage.

Engagement as a PhD Candidate is done in accordance with “Regulation concerning terms and conditions of employment for the posts of post-doctoral research fellow, research fellow, research assistant and resident”, given by the Ministry of Education and Research of 19.07.2010. The goal of the positions is to obtain a PhD degree. Applicants will engage in an organized PhD training program, and appointment requires approval of the applicants plan for a PhD study within three months from the date of commencement.

The appointment has a duration of 3 years as a researcher towards the degree of PhD. Depending on the candidate's preferences and qualifications, the position duration could be changed to 4 years with a 25% teaching duty for the Department throughout the employment period.

For further information about the position, please contact Associate Professor Jason Hearst, Department of Energy and Process Engineering, NTNU, Trondheim. Email: Jason.hearst@ntnu.no.

See http://www.ntnu.edu/ivt/phd for more information.

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants. The positions adhere to the Norwegian Government's policy of balanced ethnicity, age and gender. Women are encouraged to apply.

The application

The application must contain information of educational background and work experience. Certified copies of transcripts and reference letters should be enclosed. Applications with CV, grade transcripts and other enclosures should be submitted via this webpage. Mark the application with IV-175/17.

Start-up date may be discussed, but tentatively November 2017.

Application deadline is 13 September 2017

According to the new Freedom of Information Act, information concerning the applicant may be made public even if the applicant has requested not to be included in the list of applicants.