Vacature Technische Universiteit Eindhoven (TU/e) - PhD Suspensions of sponge-like particles: Modeling their mechanical properties

The PhD position is available in the Polymer Technology group lead by Prof.dr.ir. H.E.H. Meijer. The candidate will be supervised by dr. Markus Hütter, and also collaborate closely with the other participants in the project, particularly with dr. Hans Wyss (same group) and the company Friesland Campina (The Netherlands).

Section description

The research of the Polymer Technology group (www.mate.tue.nl/mate/), headed by Prof.dr.ir. H. E. H. Meijer, is aimed at bridging the gap between science and technology in the area of polymer processing and design, through the use of experimental and computational tools in the modeling of the full thermo-mechanical history of material (elements) during their formation, processing and final design, to quantitatively predict properties of processed objects.

Project description

The main focus of this project is on the rheology of dense suspensions of 'sponge-like particles' (e.g., casein micelles; starch particles; microgel particles). These particles have properties that lie in between those of hard colloidal particles and those of soft polymers. Moreover, the interactions between the sponge-like particles are rate-dependent, because the viscous solvent can be expelled from or pushed into the (porous) particles. Understanding the structure-property relations for materials built from these particles has important implications for example in the food and cosmetics industries.

The project consists of two PhD positions: the one offered here (theoretical and computational  -  described in more detail below), and an experimental position with dr. Hans Wyss (h.m.wyss@tue.nl ) in the same group (about the structure, dynamics and rheology of microgel model materials).

Aim of the PhD project, tasks

The main goal is to formulate a multiscale model for relating the macroscopic mechanical behavior of sponge-like particle suspensions to the particle arrangement and their sizes in dynamic situations. This encompasses extending usual Brownian Dynamics schemes to account for the sponginess of the particles, and to simulate the behavior of such suspensions in quiescent conditions and flow situations. 

In order to formulate a constitutive relation for the macroscopic stress in terms of the microstructure, nonequilibrium thermodynamics (GENERIC framework) shall be used. So doing, the mutual coupling of the mesostructure and the macroscopic behavior shall be implemented consistently.

The physical laws for the single-particle behavior are based on experimental data (parallel PhD project with dr. Hans Wyss). The resulting simulation results will be confronted with experimental data on the rheology, and thereby iteratively improved, to ensure relevance to real applications.

Qualifications of applicant

Talented, enthusiastic candidates with excellent analytical and communication skills holding a university degree (M.Sc., Diploma) in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline are encouraged to apply. Preferably, you should have experience with several of these topics:  mechanics of materials, thermodynamics, transport processes, and computer simulations such as Brownian Dynamics simulations. Fluency in spoken and written English is essential.

Conditions of employment

A challenging job at a dynamic and ambitious University and in an enthusiastic team

An appointment (1 fte) as a PhD-student for four years, starting date: as soon as possible

Gross monthly salaries are in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement of the Dutch Universities (CAO NU), increasing from € 2042 per month initially, to € 2612 in the fourth year.

An attractive package of fringe benefits, including excellent work facilities, end of the year allowance and sport facilities

 

Contact, application procedure

More information about this PhD position can be obtained from dr. Markus Hütter: m.huetter@tue.nl.

Application documents (separate PDFs only) must contain: letter of motivation, detailed curriculum vitae, short description of scientific/work experiences, transcripts of B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees, your M.Sc. thesis (or draft, including summary), and contact information of two potential referees. Only complete applications will be considered.

Deadline

The vacancy is open until a suitable candidate has been found.