JOB DESCRIPTION

About the project:
The MetaWing project explores a new disruptive concept for flow control, first born in classical wave physics: Metamaterials. These are engineered composite structures, invoking dispersive wave phenomena to gain exotic properties that go beyond what is considered possible in Nature. A key property is the bandgap, a range in which waves are suppressed when interacting with the Metamaterial. Our team recently found key evidence of dispersive wave suppression in boundary layers. However, wave-like flow instabilities have key differences from classical waves, forming a new regime of dispersive wave interactions. Thus, the nature of bandgaps in boundary layer flows remains unclear and unexplored.
The main objective of this project is to explore, identify and use Metamaterial-derived bandgaps for the control of transitional airflows.
We are seeking an enthusiastic and skilled Postdoctoral researcher to join our team. We will work towards understanding of the formation of bandgaps in transitional fluid flows and using them to suppress wave-like boundary layer instabilities, thus delaying laminar-turbulent transition. The work will encompass theoretical and numerical modelling, necessary to couple boundary layer stability and Metamaterials. Flow stability analysis tools available in our team can be used, including Orr-Sommerfeld solvers, linear/non-linear Parabolised Stability Equations and our non-linear Harmonic Navier-Stokes solver. Boundary and in-domain conditions will be modified to model the effect of Metamaterials on instabilities. There is an opportunity to validate the coupled using Direct Numerical Simulations, through a variety of in-house solvers.
About the team:
We are a young, international, and diverse team of colleagues in the vicinity of the newly founded chair of Flow Control. We approach problems in a horizontal “team spirit” and continuously traverse boundaries between theory, simulations, and experiments towards understanding and controlling fluid flows. In our team, we strive for a cocreative and stimulating environment where we can develop our skills as a scientist, team member and teacher. We place great emphasis on a collegial working environment where everyone is welcome and encouraged to shape their own research track. We like to know about everyone’s research project and try to help and learn from each other’s problems to boost our scientific and personal growth. We also enjoy many team-building activities and events where you will get to know your teammates in a different environment, sharing personal life experiences and having a great time outside of the lab!
Accessibility:
Almost 90% of our laboratory and offices are wheelchair accessible, including all wind tunnel facilities. If you’d have any specific concerns about accessibility, please don’t hesitate to contact us (see below for contact information).

REQUIREMENTS

The candidates (m/f/x) should meet the following requirements:

• PhD degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, applied physics or applied mathematics.
• Background and affinity in fluid mechanics (e.g. PhD/MSc thesis on a fluids-related topic)
• Good track record in BSc and MSc degrees
• Proficiency in the English language, both oral

Please refer the Job description for details