PhD Position Fully-Resolved Simulations of Internal Flow and Erosion Mechanisms in Dikes (Mechanical Engineering)

TL;DR

PhD Position (Mechanical Engineering): Conducting fundamental studies on pipe development through novel Particle-Resolved Direct Numerical Simulation (PR-DNS) to understand Backward Erosion Piping in dikes with an accent on fluid-solid mechanics and erosion mechanisms. Focus on evaluating simplified 2D models, assessing particle grading effects, and analyzing 3D meandering of pipes.

Location: Delft, Netherlands. Relocation support is provided.

Salary: €3,059 – €3,881 gross per month

Company

hirify.global is a top international university combining science, engineering, and design to address global challenges in energy, climate, mobility, and health.

What you will do

• Perform fundamental studies of pipe development using Particle-Resolved Direct Numerical Simulation (PR-DNS).
• Employ finite-volume solvers, Immersed Boundary Methods, and soft-sphere collision models for particle-fluid coupling.
• Evaluate simplified 2D models of Backward Erosion Piping (BEP) and assess 3D effects such as meandering.
• Assess the influence of particle grading and solid friction on the erosion process.
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary consortium of academics, industry, and government bodies.
• Develop closure relations for particle-fluid interactions to be used in continuum models.

Requirements

• MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, or Civil Engineering.
• Demonstrated competencies in fluid mechanics, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and scientific programming.
• Must be able to relocate to the Netherlands.
• English proficiency required to communicate, participate in courses, and write scientific articles.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary consortium and affinity with experiments.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.

Nice to have

• Experience with multiphase flows and Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS).
• Knowledge of Discrete Element Modelling (DEM).
• Proficiency in Fortran and parallel computing using MPI.
• Affinity with teaching and guiding MSc students.

Culture & Benefits

• 4-year employment period structured as two sequential contracts.
• 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• Customisable compensation package and discounts on health insurance.
• Monthly work costs contribution and flexible work schedules.
• Comprehensive relocation support via Coming to Delft Service and a Dual Career Programme for partners.
• Access to the hirify.global Graduate School and its Doctoral Education Programme.