Melting, dissolving, and erosion are processes that are frequently found in nature and technology. Contrary to common believe these three processes do not always smooth the surface, but rather form structures and sometimes even sharpen the surface. This leeds to the formation of e.g. ice scallops and pinnacles, for some examples of patterning and roughening. The continuously changing shape of e.g. a melting iceberg and its interaction with the external turbulence is very complicated as it involves three boundary layers: kinetic, thermal, and solutal (due to the salt concentration). The interaction between those boundary layers is highly complex and not understood. In particular, what is the effect of the surface roughness on the melting rate? The aim is to experimentally study the interaction of these boundary layers in a controlled lab environment such as to increase our understanding of these phenomena and their relevance on e.g. the melting rate of ice of icebergs and (tidal) glaciers, all important in view of global warming and precision required in technological applications.

See further details here: https://pof.tnw.utwente.nl/vacancies/37

For this position we are searching for someone who is/has

• Ambitious with a Master's Degree in (applied) physics, aerospace engineering, or mechanical engineering, or in a closely related discipline.
• Excellent communications skills
• Fluent English, written and spoken
• Enthusiastic and highly motivated to do a PhD
• Experimental experience, extended knowledge on fluid mechanics
• Experience in image and data analysis are required.

• Fulltime position for four years
• The university offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues in a stimulating scientific environment.
• The PhD salary is € 2.443,- in the first year and increases to € 3.122,- in the fourth year.
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%.
• The number of holiday hours for full-time employment is 232 hours per calendar year.
• A personal development program within the Twente Graduate School.

The Physics of Fluids group is world-leading research group in fluid dynamics, covering flows from nanometers to exameters, and studying these flows experimentally, numerically, and theoretically.