Job description
This PhD project is a combined experimental-numerical study, aimed at obtaining fundamental insight into the fluid mechanics of liquid accumulation and transport in gas and oil pipelines. If the gas velocity is low, liquid will remain in the pipeline until it is swept out from the pipeline as a liquid slug. The detailed three-dimensional turbulent flow field of the gas and liquid layers will be measured in our laboratory using Laser-Doppler Anemometry in a pipe configuration with a low bend where liquid has accumulated. Pressure forces will also be measured to represent the wall frictional and interfacial forces. The transient processes during the sweep-out of the liquid from the bend will be measured using various experimental techniques. In addition to the experiments, a numerical-physical model will be developed using Computational Fluid Dynamics. The experiments will be used to validate the model. The new model will be used by the gas and oil industry for improved design of their multiphase flow pipeline systems. The project will be carried out in collaboration with the gas and oil industry.

Requirements
We are looking for a talented and highly motivated person with a Master’s degree in applied sciences, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, mathematics, or civil engineering. The candidate should have a firm background in fluid mechanics and transport phenomena, and should have a deep interest in multiphase flows. Strong communication and teamworking skills are highly appreciated. Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English is essential.

Conditions of employment
The successful candidate will be employed full-time by TU Delft for a fixed period of four years within which he or she is expected to write a dissertation leading to a doctoral degree (PhD thesis). The starting salary for a PhD is €2042 gross per month increasing to a maximum of €2612 gross per month in the fourth year. TU Delft offers an attractive benefits package, including a flexible work week, free high-speed Internet access from home, and the option of assembling a customised compensation and benefits package. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. Delft University of Technology strives to increase the number of women in higher academic positions; women are therefore especially encouraged to apply.

Link:
http://www.msp.tudelft.nl
http://www.tnw.tudelft.nl/phd

To apply: Please apply by using the on-line application https://tbe.taleo.net/NA9/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=FOAS&cws=14&rid=58
If you have problems with the application form, please contact phd-tnw@tudelft.nl.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

TU Delft is the foremost research university in the Netherlands for science and engineering. It is consistently ranked within the top 20 in the Times Higher Education world ranking of science and technology universities.

Faculty of Applied Sciences, TU Delft

The Faculty of Applied Sciences is the largest faculty at TU Delft and is equipped with advanced laboratory and experimental facilities. It has more than 200 academic members of staff and more than 400 post-doctoral researchers and PhD students from all over the world. Many of the members of academic staff are prize-winning scientists and engineers internationally known in their fields of research. The working language in post-graduate education and research is English.

The Faculty conducts both fundamental and application-oriented research and offers scientific education at the bachelor, master and doctoral levels. Research is spread over six departments. Main areas are biotechnology, life sciences technology, chemical technology, nanoscience and nanotechnology (Kavli Institute of Nanoscience), radiation science and technology including biomedical engineering and energy technology, and applied physics.