The University of Twente seeks a full-time PhD researcher with research interests in granular physics, continuum mechanics, computer modelling and discrete element methods (DEM) to join the University of Twente and Procter & Gamble Technical Centres Ltd, where you will work on multiscale modelling of yielding/jamming applied to industrial particle processes.
Table of Contents
Summary
Scholarship Sponsor | University of Twente |
Scholarships level | PhD Position |
Award Amount | Not Specified |
Fellowship Period | Three years |
Study area | Materials Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, |
Opening date | February 25, 2021 |
Closing date | March 15, 2021 |
Project Description
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 six university partners and five significant industries across Europe.
Project details:
One of the leading mechanical challenges in particle systems is the complex, yielding transition from static to fluid-like and back to jammed states. This creates considerable handling problems in industry for the transport of particles, e.g., ensuring uniform flowability and composition until packages reach the consumer. Polydispersity and varying particle shapes add complexity to these handling problems.
Specific objectives are:
- Understand the effect of particle formulation on the contact network in the packed/static stage, with a focus on the role of history;
- Reproduce the complex transitions from static to motion and back using DEM simulations, and develop a continuum framework to capture this;
- Extend the micromechanically based continuum model to polydisperse, multi-component formulations of varying particle shapes;
- Understand segregation of multi-component systems within a closed packing subjected to many vibrations (like during transport to the client)
Expected Results:
- DEM data which reproduce the interplay between the yield transition from static to motion and back to jammed states;
- Continuum models which correctly capture these transitions;
- Extension of the model to bi-component (flow aids) and multi-component polydisperse particle systems
The researcher will be seconded at SACMI (IT) to work on the validation for pouring and compaction of polydisperse powders in moulds for ceramics tiles.
Application Deadline
The deadline for applications is March 15, 2021
Eligibility Criteria
As an ideal candidate:
- You have an 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 organisational 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 the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the three years immediately before 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 organisations to which you might be sent on secondment or at which you may subsequently also be recruited. Check the Eligibility Criteria carefully on the TUSAIL website https://tusail.eu/projects.eligibility.
Our Offer
This position and the PhD track are for four years. The first two years you are employed at the University of Twente (NL), followed by a full-time contract with Procter & Gamble Technical Centres Ltd for one year, and the last year based at University of Twente again.
There will be opportunities for secondments at SACMI (IT). In addition to their scientific projects, all fellows will benefit from further continuing education, including 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 Netherlands’ salary starts from EUR 2.395- per month in the 1st year, plus holiday allowance (8%) and end-of-year bonus (8.3%), following the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement. Further information can be found at http://www.utwente.nl. Employment conditions will be different in the 12 months when the candidate is hired by Procter & Gamble Technical Centres Ltd, in agreement with national regulations.
Application Process
The PhD project will be conducted under Prof. S. Luding and Dr V. Magnanimo at the University of Twente and Dr P. Gupta at Procter & Gamble Technical Centres Ltd. An Individual Supervisory Committee, including academic and industrial supervisors, will guide the candidate during his/her PhD.
For applications, please submit your documents using the ‘Apply now’ button below, including your CV, motivation letter, bachelor and master transcripts, contact details of at least two references who worked closely with you, theses or reports (if available).
Master students who will graduate in the next coming months are welcome to apply. In that case, please provide an overview of the transcripts that are already available.
For more information about the position, you are encouraged to send an e-mail to Dr V. Magnanimo (v.magnanimo@utwente.nl).
The selection procedure is performed by the beneficiaries within the TUSAIL project and thus by all partners involved in the project https://tusail.eu/partners. This means your application is shared amongst the universities under the GDPR terms of data collection. It could be possible that the beneficiaries identify that another position would be more suitable for their background and skills.
A Game-Based assessment will also be part of the selection procedure.