Website Delft University of Technology
Job description
The urgency to decarbonize the shipping industry is increasing day by day, and wind-assisted propulsion is attracting renewed interest as a viable means to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. However, accurately predicting the performance of wind-assisted ships remains a challenge and requires advanced simulations to be validated by high-quality experiments. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is increasingly used to predict the performance and forces of wind-assisted vessels, but experimental validation remains crucial, especially in complex hydrodynamic situations. The focus of this PhD position will be on towing tank experiments and high fidelity flow field measurements using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) to validate CFD models. In addition to validation, these experiments will also evaluate the effectiveness of different auxiliary appendages in maintaining yaw stability. Combined with high-fidelity flow measurements, this will provide an important basis for understanding the flow dynamics and performance of various ancillary appendage configurations at the model scale. Through simulations using validated numerical tools, the results of the model tests should ultimately translate into full-scale performance. D. key tasks include PIV system optimization: review and optimization of the PIV system components to accurately measure the flow field close to the hull and appurtenances at drift angles. High Fidelity Validation: Detailed flow field and force measurements on a bare hull at various drift angles to validate CFD simulations. Attachment Performance Evaluation: Experimentally evaluate the performance of various attachments and their effects on the model-scale flow field. Full-scale extrapolation: Numerical simulations using a calibrated RANS model to translate the experimental results of the appendages into full-scale applications.
offer requirements
You should have a Master’s degree in Maritime, Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics or a related field; a strong interest in experimental fluid dynamics; excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; a self-driven attitude, creativity, and autonomy; and strong written and verbal communication skills in English as well as the ability to collaborate. The following will make you stand out: previous experience in experimental or laboratory work, preferably with a preliminary knowledge of optical measurement techniques; an interest in ocean engineering; preferably experience in computational fluid dynamics; and a student with excellent academic performance and initiative. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds to enrich our dynamic and diverse research group.
offer benefits
Ph.D. candidates will in principle be offered a 4-year appointment, but it will be in the form of 2 employment contracts. The first contract will be for 1.5 years with a formal go/no-go progress assessment within 15 months. If all goes well and performance requirements are met, a supplementary contract of 2.5 years will be signed. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Dutch University Collective Labor Agreement and increase from €2,872 per month in the first year to €3,670 in the fourth year. As a PhD student, you will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Delft University of Technology. The Graduate School of Delft University of Technology has an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and mentors to provide you with an inspiring research environment. The doctoral education program is designed to develop your transferable, discipline-relevant and research skills. Delft University of Technology offers customizable remuneration packages, discounts on health insurance and a monthly allowance for work expenses. Flexible working hours can be arranged. For international applicants, TU Delft offers the “Come to Delft Service”. This service provides new international employees with information to help you prepare for your relocation and get settled in the Netherlands. The Come to Delft Service offers dual career programs for partners and organizes events to expand your (social) network.