Jobid=619635252538907746 (0.0278)
Project Overview
Would you like to work on an intriguing topic at the interface between fluid and solid mechanics? Are you interested in studying internal flow and erosion mechanisms that could lead to failure of a dike? We are looking for an enthusiastic PhD candidate to explore the physics of “Backward Erosion Piping” (BEP), a major dike failure mechanism, by employing advanced fully-resolved numerical simulations.
Job description
The subsurface of many river dikes in the Netherlands consists of a thin and relatively impermeable clay layer on top of a thick and permeable sand layer. During high water, the high subsurface pressure may cause a crack in the clay deck at the land side of the dike, allowing water from the subsurface to flow upwards and carry away sand. A hollow pipe forms in the sand layer underneath the clay deck, marking the beginning of BEP. Subsequently, the pipe gradually expands towards the water side through primary (upstream) and secondary (downstream) erosion processes, thus destabilizing the dike.
In this PhD project, you will perform a fundamental study of pipe development through novel Particle-Resolved Direct Numerical Simulation (PR-DNS) of a small-scale system mimicking conditions in laboratory experiments on BEP. The PR-DNS uses a finite-volume solver for the fluid phase, an efficient Immersed Boundary Method for the particle-fluid coupling, and a soft-sphere collision model for frictional particle contacts. The in-house code is written in modern Fortran with the MPI extension for parallel computing on supercomputers. The PR-DNS will enable a detailed study of the instantaneous, 3D flow and particle motion during BEP development.
Responsibilities
- Evaluate simplified, often 2D, models of BEP.
- Assess the influence of particle grading and solid friction on BEP.
- Assess 3D effects such as meandering of pipes.
Qualifications
- An MSc degree in a relevant field (Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, Civil Engineering).
- Demonstrated competencies in fluid mechanics, computational fluid dynamics and scientific programming. Experience with multiphase flows, Direct Numerical Simulation, Discrete Element Modelling, Fortran, and/or parallel computing is a plus.
- The ability to work in a multidisciplinary consortium, take initiative, and be results-oriented. This also includes affinity with experiments.
- Be well organized and have excellent time management skills.
- Excellent communication skills and command of English.
- Affinity with teaching and guiding MSc students.
Conditions of employment
Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment, with an initial 1.5 year contract that includes a go/no go progress assessment within 15 months, followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming performance requirements are met.
As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.
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