Particle agglomeration is an important and common phenomenon in (wet) fluidized beds. Fundamental understanding of the micro-mechanisms of particle agglomeration and their impact on the macroscale dynamics of the bed is essential both in agglomeration-desirable processes (e.g granulation and spray drying) and processes where agglomeration in unintentional (e.g. combustion and gasification). However, the current understanding is limited to idealized systems involving e.g. water, axisymmetric liquid bridges and spherical particles. With the current consortium, we want to extend research to more realistic systems involving complex fluids (viscoelastic fluids) and complex solids (polydispersity and non-spherical particle shapes).

The project has two main objectives:

1. [PhD @ SMR] To obtain a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic liquid bridging,
2. [PhD @ PF] To understand the interplay between the agglomeration and the macroscopic flow dynamics in wet fluidized beds.

Both objectives will be reached using Computational Fluid Dynamics (i.e. Particle-Resolved Direct Numerical Simulations and Computational Fluid Dynamics coupled with Discrete Element method, respectively). The results of these numerical methods will be validated using dedicated experiments which will be performed in close collaboration with the Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH).

Project team

You will work in a collaborative team which include dr. Yali Tang, prof. Niels Deen (PF) and dr. Maike Baltussen, prof. Hans Kuipers (SMR) from Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and prof. Stefan Heinrich from TUHH. You will be employed at TU/e, however this collaboration requires you to pay short-term visits to the group of Prof. Heinrich.

Talented, enthusiastic candidates with excellent scientific and communication skills holding a master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering or related fields are encouraged to apply. The following skillsets are preferred:

• Experience in CFD for fluids or fluid-structure interactions (MUST)
• An affinity with the process industry or proven knowledge or experience in fluidization technology
• Experience in programming
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team
• Excellent communication skills and written/verbal knowledge of English

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.