PhD position in High-Temperature Fluidization for Iron Powder Energy Storage

at  TU Eindhoven

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented PhD candidate to join our research team at the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). The candidate will contribute to advancing the understanding of high-temperature fluidization in the context of iron powder energy storage. Specifically, the research will focus on the hydrodynamics of fluidized beds operating at high temperatures and in the presence of hydrogen gas. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with a unique experimental setup that allows for high-resolution optical access to a pseudo-2D fluidized bed, operating at temperatures up to 800 °C.
Additionally, we seek to develop a new theoretical framework to describe fluidization under these extreme conditions, considering factors such as inter-particle forces, van der Waals interactions, and electrostatic effects. For this purpose, CFD-DEM modelling (discrete particle modelling) will be used, based on a model that is already present in our group, but which requires expansion and validation for the purposes of this study.
This PhD position is a collaboration with other members of our research group as well as members of the Power and Flow group at the Mechanical Engineering faculty. Moreover, we closely work together with industrial users of the metal fuels technology.
Researchers of our group participate in various courses related to their field of work, take part in national and international conferences and congresses, and report to the project user committee throughout the PhD contract. Besides the project described above, a small part of your time will be tasked with assisting with chemical engineering education duties.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

We are looking for talented, motivated and enthusiastic MSc or engineer with a background in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering or applied physics. A strong background in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and/or particle technology is essential. The ideal candidate also has demonstrated proficiency in numerical modelling, particularly Discrete Element Models (DEM). You should be comfortable to work or learn to work with experimental setups and data analysis. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team are required. Strong communication skills in English, both written and verbal, are essential.

Please refer the Job description for details