We invite you to apply for a PhD position in numerical simulations of fluid-structure interaction problems for ocean energy applications.

Ocean energy is a sustainable, reliable and abundant source of energy, but its exploitation is still immature. In order to advance towards a mature commercialization stage of ocean energy technologies, there is the need of tools for design and verification that enable an efficient and accurate reproduction of various energy devices under real conditions, including extreme events in offshore environments.

During your PhD research, you will work towards the development of accurate, efficient  and autonomous numerical simulations of ocean energy devices, enabling the definition of digital twins that can mimic the behavior of real devices in a virtual environment, allowing a fast, robust and cost-efficient testing for design optimization.

Project description

The physical phenomena appearing in ocean energy applications is governed by multi-phase incompressible fluid flows interacting with structures. The simulation of such problems also entails several challenges such as the presence of geometries that evolve in time and are subject to topology changes, the interaction between multiple bodies embedded in a multi-phase flow or the presence of uncertain operating conditions.

The overall objective of this project is the construction of a framework for autonomous simulations of fluid-structure interaction problems in complex and moving geometries subject to uncertain operation conditions. The research will focus on the development of multi-fidelity techniques that combine the accuracy of high-fidelity simulations with the efficiency of low-fidelity models.

Your PhD project will be supervised by Oriol Colomés and Andrei Metrikine. You will be part of the Offshore Engineering section in the Hydraulic Engineering department, with leading experts in the field of offshore energy. As part of this project, you will work in close collaboration with industrial partners in the field.

We are looking for an excellent candidate with the following qualifications, knowledge and skills:

• A master's degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Maritime Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science or a relevant domain.
• Basic knowledge of numerical methods for the solution of partial differential equations. Research experience with the Finite Element method is a plus.
• Good programming skills (Fortran/C++/Python/Julia), preferably in Julia.
• Knowledge in fluid-structure interaction problems, scientific computing and ocean energy technologies are considered a merit.
• Self-motivated, curiosity-driven, open to communicate and collaborate with peers.
• Excellent command of English, both verbally and in writing. If your mother language is not English and you do not hold a degree from an institution in which English is the language of instruction, you must submit proof of English proficiency from either TOEFL (minimum total score of 100) or IELTS (minimum total score of 7.0). Proof of English language proficiency certificates older than two years are not accepted.

Fixed-term contract: 4 Years.

TU Delft offers PhD-candidates a 4-year contract, with an official go/no go progress assessment after one year. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2395 per month in the first year to € 3061 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 sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

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 and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Civil Engineering & Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource depletion, urbanisation and the availability of clean water, conducted  in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced that Open Science helps to achieve our goals and supports its scientists in integrating Open Science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.