PhD Student - Department of Electromechanical, Systems and Metal Engineering

Last application date Jun 15, 2024 00:00

Department TW08 - Department of Electromechanical, Systems and Metal Engineering

Contract Limited duration

Degree You hold a Master degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.

Occupancy rate 100%

Vacancy type Research staff

Job description

Context – UGent initiated, in close collaboration with Flanders-Make and KULeuven, the research project Rolux. The objective of the project is to develop a methodology and associated simulation tools for the robust design of lubricated gearboxes, based on model-based tribo-dynamic parameter sensitivity analyses of gearboxes on both component- and system-level. One of the crucial tasks is to develop an accurate yet, computationally very efficient Thermo-Elastohydrodynamic lubrication (TEHL) solver for rough gear-contacts in C++ using full-order and reduced-order modelling techniques.

Positions & Tasks - The envisioned PhD focuses on the development of a reliable, though computationally efficient and fast scientific code to model and simulate 2D/3D Thermo-Elasto-Hydrodynamic Lubrication (TEHL) in lubricated contacts, such as lubricated contacts in meshing gears or bearings. This requires the implementation of efficient and flexible discretization schemes and numerical algorithms for solving a coupled multi-physics problem of linear elastic deformation, fluid flow and heat transport, by reduced-order modelling strategies. The dual-use solver should allow standalone calculations as well as serve as a plug-in contact solver to other software. The computational efficiency should be maximal, aiming for a Parallel C/C++ implementation relying on existing scientific computing C++ libraries and potentially GPU acceleration.

Job profile

1. You hold a Master degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
2. You have affinity with Solid Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics and Tribology.
3. You have a strong motivation for conducting scientific research at a high level.
4. You possess good analytical, and technical skills
5. You are interested in computational mathematics and High Performance Scientific Computing.
6. You have substantial experience with programming in C/C++ and handling MPI.
7. You take responsibility for the development of your project in a well-structured, thorough way, and you’re able to solve problems independently. You display creativity in solving problems, generating ideas or finding new ways of working.
8. You have an open personality and willing to contribute to the team and participate in didactic projects.
9. You have excellent communication skills in English, both orally and written. Knowledge of Dutch is certainly an asset.
10. You are able to start within the next 6 months in this position, without any significant delays.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which - after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months.
• The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by the Department of Personnel and Organization based on family status and seniority. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. Click here for more information about our salary scales
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits (in Dutch).

How to apply

To apply for one of this position, please complete the corresponding application form:

https://forms.gle/kk61QNZ1Dh1EJq1Q8.

Your application will be taken into consideration on condition that all fields in the application form are properly filled in.