We are seeking a full time PhD candidate with research interests in granular physics, continuum mechanics, computer modelling and the discrete element methods (DEM) to join University of Twente (Netherlands) and DCS Computing (Austria), where you will work on multiscale modelling of mixing and segregation.

This project is part of the EU funded Marie Curie Initial Training Network TUSAIL– Training in Upscaling particle Systems: Advancing Industry across Length-scales (www.tusail.eu). The overarching objective of TUSAIL is to develop, apply and validate three novel modelling methodologies in the upscaling of industrial particulate processes. TUSAIL will train 15 researchers within a collaborative multidisciplinary and inter-sectorial network involving 6 university partners and 5 major industries across Europe.

Project details:

Goal of the project is to develop a meso-particle model to predict segregation and mixing behaviour of large industrial mixing systems.

Specific objectives are:

Develop spatial and temporal filters to derive sub-parcel models and/or correlations to correct for the impact of the non-resolved part of the physics in meso-particle simulations; address the fundamental challenge of modelling the micromechanics to predict mixing and segregation;
Develop DEM and CFD–DEM based simulation methodology using meso-particle scale-up and compare to fully resolved DEM models;
Apply the model to selected large industrial mixers and validate predictive capabilities.
Expected Results:

Literature study and existing model evaluation; choice of methods;
Report simulation data and proposed correlations laws for use in sub-parcel models for meso-particle modelling;
Sub-parcel models for meso-particle modelling of segregation and mixing established, calibrated and validated;
Industrial application (fluidized bed and large mixer) established and validated.
Large scale validation will be performed in collaboration with our partners BASF (DE) and Procter & Gamble Technical Centres Ltd (UK), that will host the researcher for secondments.

Further information:

This fellowship is offered in the context of a Marie Curie Initial Training Network and transnational mobility is a key element of eligibility. Therefore your eligibility for the post is determined by Marie Curie terms and conditions. Researchers may be either EU citizens or from outside the EU (subject to relevant immigration formalities), but applications will only be accepted from candidates who must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc) in Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the date of selection by the host institution (short stays such as holidays are not taken into account). This mobility rule applies only to your first recruitment within the project, and not to other organisations to which you might be sent on secondment or at which you may subsequently also be recruited.

Check carefully the Eligibility Criteria in the TUSAIL website https://tusail.eu/projects.eligibility.

As an ideal candidate:

• you have a MSc degree or a first or upper second class honours degree in a relevant field such as physics, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, chemical engineering, applied mathematics, materials science, computer science or related areas;
• you are interested to learn and contribute to new technologies for particle technology application;
• knowledge in DEM modelling or numerical methods in general and a good understanding of particle technology or granular physics would be advantageous;
• you are an excellent teammate, able to collaborate intensively with industrial and academic parties in regular meetings and work visits.
• Furthermore, an appropriate qualification in the English Language together with excellent communication and organizational skills are required.

This position and the PhD track are for 4 years. The first year you will be employed at the University of Twente (NL), followed by a contract with DCS Computing for further 3 years.

There will be opportunities for secondments to BASF (DE) and Procter & Gamble Technical Centres Ltd (UK). In addition to their individual scientific projects, all fellows will benefit from further continuing education, which includes secondments and short visits to partners in the TUSAIL network, a wide range of training activities, workshops, dedicated sessions at international meetings, to foster scientific and transferable skills for the Jobs of Tomorrow.

The salary in the Netherlands starts from EUR 2.395,- per month in the 1st year, plus holiday allowance (8%) and end-of-year bonus (8.3%), in accordance with the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement. Further information can be found at http://www.utwente.nl. Employment conditions will be different in the 3 years when the candidate is hired by DCS Computing, in agreement with national regulations.

About the department at UTwente:

You will be based in the MultiScale Mechanics group, at Faculty of Engineering Technology of University of Twente and work in close collaboration with the Construction Management & Engineering group at the same university.

About the department at DCS Computing:

You will be based in one of the offices of DCS located in Linz (headquater) and Vienna AT, and work in close collaboration with the development team of software packages Aspherix®, LIGGGHTS® and CFDEM®coupling.