CISCON is a consortium that gathers 3 major Dutch universities (University of Twente, Delft University of Technology, and Leiden University) and the Marin Maritime Research Institute Netherlands . This project is focused on cavitation inception on ship propellers with the aim of reducing maritime noise pollution. The position described here will be hosted by the University of Twente and will investigate the physics of cavitation in controlled and miniaturized fluidic systems in order to overcome the shortcomings of current cavitation models
Ship propulsion at high speed or under adverse conditions causes cavitation, a hydrodynamic phenomenon that leads to an important increase in underwater radiated noise thereby affecting the ship’s signature and marine life in a negative way. Therefore, both ecological, economical and strategic reasons call for the reduction of cavitation. This project 1) acquires fundamental knowledge on the phenomenon, 2) models and predicts the moment when cavitation inception occurs in various conditions, and 3) applies this knowledge at the training center of the Royal Netherlands Navy to develop the preconditions for real life navigation that allow for minimizing cavitation.
State of the art: It has been known for several decades that sheet cavitation inception depends both on the physical properties of the liquid, the surface shape and roughness and the flow conditions. Recently, high-speed observations on the microscale have enabled a detailed phenomenological description of cavitation inception on isolated roughness elements, micropits, and smooth surfaces. These studies indicate that the entrainment of a bubble into a separated flow region near the surface is an essential step for surface cavitation inception. However, poor control over surface characteristics and water quality, as well as limited spatiotemporal resolution have hindered a complete understanding of the physical mechanisms at stake, owing, furthermore, to the missing details of the local flow velocities and pressures . However, a microchannel is well suited to study the details of hydrodynamic cavitation. Moreover, the microscale environment enables detailed investigations of the flow and surface characteristics.
Objectives: We propose to conduct a well-controlled and detailed multiscale study of the full parameter space governing surface cavitation inception in a microchannel to fully explain the underlying physical mechanisms. The microchannel will provide full control over flow, surface characteristics and water quality.
Information and application
Your reaction should include an application/motivation letter, emphasizing your specific interest and motivation, a detailed CV, and an academic transcript of B.Sc. and M.Sc. education. If you have any question, please email g.p.r.lajoinie@utwente.nl. An interview and a scientific presentation will be part of the selection procedure.
For more information about the position, you are encouraged to contact Guillaume Lajoinie: g.p.r.lajoinie@utwente.nl )
About the organisation
The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) engages some 700 staff members and 2000 students in education and research on the cutting edge of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Our fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally and is strengthened by the many young researchers working on innovative projects with as doctoral candidates and post-docs. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.
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