Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Engineering (Two-phase Flow Modelling and Optimisation)

For full details, please see:

https://www.gibbonslab.com/s/RF_01.pdf

Post Summary
The Thermal Fluids and Energy research group at the University of Dublin, Trinity College, is seeking to recruit a postdoctoral researcher on computational modelling, design and optimisation of two-phase flow through porous structures. The analysis methods will include computational fluid dynamics modelling, numerical shape and/or topology optimisation, which could be implemented in commercial software packages such as ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM and/or additional CFD or optimisation packages, as well as custom-developed code.

This research aims to investigate flow through porous structures. Porous structures are ubiquitous in heat transfer and passive fluid transport applications. Traditional porous structures are monoporous in design. However, recent research has focused on hybrid structures to optimise capillary pressure and permeability.
The objectives of this project are:

1. Development of a two-phase numerical model for capillary flow through porous structures.
2. Shape/topology optimisation of the porous structure accounting for real-world porous structure manufacturing/fabrication techniques.
3. Fabrication and characterisation of optimised porous structures.

This work is part of a larger project developing loop heat pipe technology for waste heat recovery in data centres as part of an ongoing Royal Society-Science Foundation Ireland-funded project.

Standard Duties and Responsibilities of the Post

• Lead the two-phase flow modelling and optimisation through porous structures research project to complete the outlined objectives.
• Undertake appropriate administrative/management/leadership activities and tasks.
• Mentor and supervise undergraduate and/or graduate students and provide training in relevant research methods.
• Publish peer-reviewed articles and present findings at national/international scientific meetings.
• Collaborate with other researchers in the Fluids and Heat Transfer Lab working in two-phase flow and heat transfer, and develop future funding proposals.

Funding Information
Royal Society (https://royalsociety.org/) and Science Foundation Ireland (https://www.sfi.ie/)

Application Procedure
Applicants should submit (pdf or Word):

• Cover letter.
• Full curriculum vitae to include a list of publications and the names and contact details of three referees (including email addresses).

Name: Dr. Michael Gibbons
Title: Assistant Professor in Advanced Heat Transfer
Email Address: Michael.Gibbons@tcd.ie

Please include “TFE_RF_01” at the start of the subject line of the email application.
Should you be shortlisted for the post, your referees may be contacted.
Please note that ONLY shortlisted candidates will be contacted by email.