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  2. PhD position on indirect combustion noise; Fluid Mechanics; CFD; Aeroacoustics

PhD position on indirect combustion noise; Fluid Mechanics; CFD; Aeroacoustics

Are you a highflying individual with a strong background in Fluid Mechanics aiming to kickstart your career in academia? This position in the EFD group is for you. This position is a smashing springboard for a keen student (MSc graduate) who aims for a career in fluid-mechanics research.

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    Peter Chemweno

Key takeaways

  • Hours
    40 hr.
  • Salary indication
    Salary gross/monthly
    based on full-time
    € 3,204 - € 4,051
  • Deadline
    23 Oct 2026

Simulation-based development of indirect combustion-noise theory

To remedy ineluctable deficiencies in the current understanding of indirect-noise generation, especially as it relates to hydrogen-fueled systems, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) will be used. Initially, numerical analyses will focus on a previously used experimental setup operated at DLR. As a first step, non-reacting-flow modelling will be employed to definitively establish the cogency of non-reacting-flow simulations for systems with reacting flow. Moreover, this analysis will improve comprehension of the turbulent and thermodynamic processes, which influence combustion by considering them in isolation. Three-dimensional non-reacting-flow simulations using lower-fidelity numerical models for compressible flows (Euler and URANS) will be compared to high-fidelity non-reacting-flow LES results to evaluate the predictive quality of lower-fidelity CFD methods. After that, the lower-fidelity simulations will be repeated including the combustion of classical hydrocarbons (methane) and hydrogen. The resulting numerical datasets will then be exploited to perform theory development. Notably, an effort will be made to elucidate the effect of the interplay between vorticity, compositional and entropy spots on indirect noise. Ultimately, the aim is to extend existing analytical/semi-analytical modelling to hydrogen combustion.

Research Objectives
(1) CFD studies of vorticity inhomogeneities convected by a high-Reynolds-number flow through a choked nozzle under non-reactive simulations. (2) Non-reactive Euler/URANS/LES-simulation comparison of entropy-vorticity interaction with a choked nozzle. (3) Quantification of the effects of combustion on noise spectra.(4) Development of analytical/semi-analytical models.
Expected Results
(1)Vorticity/entropy interaction as a source of indirect noise. (2) Comparison with classic hydrocarbons configuration. (3) Analytical model for indirect noise due to vorticity/entropy interactions

Secondments
TU Delft (Netherlands, ca. 3 months): work on the development of new functionalities in a numerical-simulation-tool for indirect-noise investigations
ETH Zurich (Switzerland, ca. 2 months): to perform experiments on indirect noise

Your profile

  • You have a MSc degree in the field of (Applied) Physics, Applied Mathematics, Aerospace Eng., Mech. Eng., any of the above with a demonstrable specialization in Fluid Mechanics.
  • You have very strong fundamentals in Fluid Mechanics as it relates to the theoretical framework and/or numerical methods & Computational Fluid Mechanics (CFD) best practices.
  • Scientific communication skills
  • Minimum level of English proficiency: C1 (CEFR) or equivalent
  • Academic writing; viz., a demonstrated ability to produce cogent & concise scientific texts
  • Authorship of a peer reviewed publication in a pertinent journal or as a proceeding of a conference with standing is a plus
  • Produce cogent oral presentations

Our offer

  • A full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, and the flexibility to work (partially) from home.
  • Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
  • You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from €3.204 (first year) to €4.051 ,- (fourth year) (filled in by HR)
  • There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
  • A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
  • Free access to sports facilities on campus.
  • A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).
  • Use of a public-transportation card one’s commute and/or national travel for professional purposes.

Information and application

For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact (Lionel. Hirschberg (l.hirschberg@utwente.nl )

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About the organisation

At the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET), we work on engineering for impact: developing smart, sustainable, human-centred and technological solutions for societal challenges. We connect fundamental education, research and practice across five core domains: Asset & Maintenance engineering, Intelligent Manufacturing Systems, Personalised Health Technology, Resilience Engineering, and Sustainable Production, Energy and Resources.

We work on education and research in mechanical engineering, civil engineering and industrial design engineering. Together, we learn by making, creating, and innovating, addressing challenges in a solution-oriented way. Quality, connection and inclusivity are the foundation of our culture.

In our open community, students, researchers and staff collaborate with industrial and societal partners. This enables us to develop insights, applications and solutions that add value to society.

Want to know more

Hirschberg, L. (Lionel)

Hirschberg, L. (Lionel)
Assistant Professor

Hirschberg, L. (Lionel)
Assistant Professor

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Lionel for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.

How to apply

Step 1

Apply.
When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.

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Step 2

Selection.
The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.

Step 3

1st interview.
The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.

Step 4

2nd interview.
In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.

Step 5

The offer.
If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer. If applicable, we will sign you up for screening.

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About The Faculty ET

Curious about what the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) stands for? Check out the ET website for more information.

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