We are seeking a full time PhD researcher with research interests in granular physics, continuum mechanics, computer modelling and the discrete element methods (DEM) to join University of Twente (Netherlands) and Procter & Gamble Technical Centres Ltd (United Kingdom), where you will work on multiscale modelling of yielding/jamming applied to industrial particle processes.

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:

One of the main mechanical challenges in particle systems is the complex yielding transition from static to fluid-like and back to jammed states. This creates considerable handling problems in industry for transport of particles, e.g., ensuring uniform flowability and composition until packages reach the consumer. Polydispersity and varying particle shapes add complexity to these handling problems.

Specific objectives are:

1. Understand the effect of particle formulation on the contact network in the packed/static stage, with a focus on the role of history;
2. Reproduce the complex transitions from static to motion and back using DEM simulations, and develop a continuum framework to capture this;
3. Extend the micromechanically based continuum model to polydisperse, multi-component formulations of varying particle shapes;
4. Understand segregation of multi-component systems within a closed packing subjected to many vibrations (like during transport to the client)

Expected Results:

1. DEM data which reproduce the interplay between the yield transition from static to motion and back to jammed states;
2. Continuum models which correctly capture these transitions;
3. Extension of the model to bi-component (flow aids) and multi-component polydisperse particle systems.

The researcher will be seconded at SACMI (IT) to work on the validation for pouring and compaction of polydisperse powders in moulds for ceramics tiles.

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;
• futhermore, an appropriate qualification in the English Language together with excellent communication and organizational skills are required.

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.

This position and the PhD track are for 4 years. The first 2 years you are employed at the University of Twente (NL), followed by a full time contract with Procter & Gamble Technical Centres Ltd for 1 year, and the last year based at University of Twente again.

There will be opportunities for secondments at SACMI (IT). 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 12 months when the candidate is hired by Procter & Gamble Technical Centres Ltd, in agreement with national regulations.