Turbulent multiphase flows encompass some of the most complex phenomena in fluid dynamics, and their analysis presents a great challenge for even state-of-the-art experimental and numerical methods. Machine learning and artificial intelligence, currently revolutionizing the fluid dynamics field, can be powerful tools in such cases. However, they remain limited to simple scenarios involving single-phase flows. Our primary goal is to tackle the challenge of data-driven low-dimensional modeling of multiphase flows. The focus will be on a specific scenario of friction drag reduction in liquid flows by gas injection with future applications in reducing CO2 emissions in green transportation.

In this PhD project, you will have the opportunity to focus on characterizing and analyzing flows using techniques like particle image velocimetry and pressure measurements and collect optimal data for developing ML advanced models for simplified flow representation, with eventual application to control strategies. Depending on your interests and background, the focus will be more on the experimental fluid dynamics or the machine learning side.

As a PhD student, you will be part of two vibrant teams of researchers with diverse backgrounds and expertise within the Multiphase Systems (MS) and Learning for Autonomous Control (LAC) sections. Your supervisors will be Dr. Angeliki Laskari and Dr. Cosimo Della Santina within the Process & Energy and Cognitive Robotics Departments.

The ideal candidate has the following qualifications. However, please consider submitting also if you do not match 100% of the requirements. The ideal candidate does not exist, and no one is perfect.

• MSc. degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, computer science, applied mathematics or physics, or a closely related field.
• Strong background in "fluid mechanics" or "machine learning", and an interest in getting into the other.
• Experience with carrying out experimental work.
• Strong mathematical/computational background (Matlab, Python).
• Fluent communication skills in English, both in written and oral. For non-native speakers, this can be proven through IELTS or TOEFL (not necessary at the time of application), or by showing that you have attended a master program fully taught in English. Note that this is a hard constraint for all Ph.D. candidates at TU Delft.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Fixed-term contract: 4 year.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2770 per month in the first year to € 3539 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the 3mE faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

3mE is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in 3mE’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.