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), where you will work on microscale modelling and constitutive relations for wet granular materials.

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:

Methods exist to satisfactorily simulate fully saturated particle systems and systems in the pendular regime with independent liquid bridges. In the last case the liquid provides an additional force between pairs of (meso-)particles. The challenge lies in the intermediate liquid content range. This project aims to develop a meso-particle model to simulate wet systems for all degrees of saturation. The method will be applied to macro-scale processes e.g. agglomeration, granulation and mixing, where the size/type of particles evolves due to the fluid.

Specific objectives are:

• Establish and validate contact models between DEM particles and solid-fluid coupling algorithms to describe varying amounts of liquid (0% to 100%) in granular systems;
• Derive the relation between microstructure and liquid content to be included in the up-scaled meso-particles and wet-flow rheology.

Apply the developed methodologies to selected wet industrial particle processes (granulation, mixing).
Expected output of the project are:

1. Micro-scale DEM simulation data and proposed contact laws in the pendular/funicular/capillary regimes;
2. Meso-particle model for agglomeration, breakage, segregation and mixing.

Laboratory tests for large scale validation will be performed in collaboration with our partners Johnson Matthey (UK), that will host the researcher for secondment. Further comparison of the upscaled numerical model, this time with industrial scale data, will be conducted under the supervision of our partners during a secondment at Nestle (CHF).

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

This position is for 4years. 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 ranges from EUR 2.395,- (1st year) to EUR 3.061,- (4th year) per month, 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.