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 University of Edinburgh (United Kingdom), where you will work on numerical and theoretical modelling of granular materials based on micro-polar continua. The candidate is expected to register for PhD study at both University of Twente and University of Edinburgh (a joint PhD may be possible).

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:

Due to their non-spherical shapes and contact friction, particles rotate or roll along and over each other. This project will properly add the rotational degrees of freedom to existing coarse graining methods, apply those to some particulate flow problems (like low-p flow and compaction situations) and evaluate for which of these situations an improved micro-polar or Cosserat-type continuum theory is needed.

Specific objectives are:

Achieve macroscopic fields curvature and couple-stresses by including rotational degrees and torques in DEM and micro–macro formalism;
Use the model to understand local mechanisms such as shear bands that are strongly coupled to rotational degrees of freedom;
Validate the method in selected industrial processes (e.g. silo discharge).

Expected Results:

Micro-polar and Cosserat data from DEM simulations and proposed constitutive laws;
Continuum models of low-p slow flows with shear bands & agglomerates established, calibrated and validated;
Validation of improved models in silo discharge applications using pilot-scale silo at the University of Edinburgh.
The researcher will be seconded at the Technical University of Braunschweig (DE) and DEM Solutions (UK), to perform micro-tomographic experiments and model discharge of non-spherical particles, respectively.

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.

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 organizations 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.

This position and the PhD track are for 4 years. The first 18 months you will be employed at the University of Twente (NL), followed by a full time contract with University of Edinburgh for further 18 months and the last 12 months at University of Twente again.

There will be opportunities for secondments to Technical University of Braunschweig (DE) and DEM Solutions (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 18 months when the candidate is hired by the University of Edinburgh, in agreement with national regulations.

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.