(from Prof. Ben-Wen Li, Dalian, China)

INTRODUCTION
The group of Prof. Dr. Li Ben-Wen, in Institute of Thermal Engineering, School of Energy & Power Engineering, Dalian University of Technology (DUT), has a long time and wide experience in researching thermal radiation, and its combinations with others, like, conduction, convection, combustion, and magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), and especially engaging in the numerical simulation. Recently, we obtained the NSFC (National Natural Science Foundation of China) project, titled “Research of Thermal Radiation Effects on Magnetohydrodynamics Instabilities” with granted No. 51976021 (Jan. 2020 till Dec. 2023). We are applying for more projects. We have accumulated lots of home-designed codes for pure thermal radiation (with participating media in 3D Cartesian coordinate systems and 2D cylindrical ones), radiation-conduction, radiation-hydrodynamics and radiation-MHD (spectral methods but with limitation of laminar flow). Meanwhile, lots of journal papers have been published. Based on the NSFC project, we are preparing experimental research and also numerical simulations, especially for laminar to turbulent transition. In such cases, a full postdoc position for the experienced scholar, who is an expert in CFD with DNS, is available.

RESPONSIBILITIES
The main task of the postdoc will be the numerical simulations of transition or turbulent Radiative-MHD in a cylinder or rectangular enclosure. The numerical methods can be the Finite Difference method, the Finite Volume method, but the Spectral method will be a priority. At present, the MHD will be limited to quasi-steady cases (the magnetic Reynolds number is far less than unit). For thermal radiation, we expect the full RTE (radiation transfer equation) solution with help of Prof. Li Ben-Wen (many home hold codes using spectral methods). The main challenges may exist in the transition to the spectral code from MMT (matrix multiplication transition) versions to FCT/FFT (fast cosine transformation/fast Fourier transformation) versions, the turbulent radiation interaction (TRI), and the instabilities analysis. The code transition is necessary to reduce computer costs for instabilities and turbulent flow. The spectral methods are necessary to keep the higher accuracy. Based on the simulations, more phenomena/disciplines can be observed/discovered for radiative MHD.
Based on our former works, you will be supervised by Prof. Li Ben-Wen, and collaborating with Ph.D. students. You can guide Ph.D. students both in experiments and simulations, especially the DNS and instability analysis. Your creativity is welcome and expected during the research process.

CONDITIONS
As for thermal radiation, we have accumulated lots of codes based on spectral methods or discrete ordinates methods (DOM).
Work office and personal computer are provided. The computer center will provide a computation source for large computation, and the computation cost will be paid from the project.
The salary per year is ¥300,000RMB before tax, about $46,470. Our university can provide an apartment with a bath and cook, but cheap rent.
Dalian is the most beautiful city in north-eastern China, and the communications in domestic and international are very fast and convenient.

PROFILE
The candidate should have a PhD degree in Physics or Engineering (or equivalent), with demonstrated experience in CFD in fluid mechanics, or thermo-hydrodynamics, or even in MHD.

OFFER
We offer the open, stimulating and multi-disciplinary research environment. The duration of the contract will be 2 years. After evaluation, it will be possible to extend another 1 year.

INTERESTED?
For more information please contact Prof. Li Ben-Wen at: +86-13664102228, heatli(at)dlut.edu.cn

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Dr. Ben-Wen Li, Prof. of
Institute of Thermal Engineering
School of Energy & Power Engineering
Dalian University of Technology
Mailing Address:
Room 720, Energy & Power Building in West Campus of Dalian University of Technology
No. 2, Linggong Road, Ganjingzi District
Dalian, 116024, Liaoning Province, China

A PhD position in experimental fluid mechanics is open at the Centre for Fluid and Complex Systems (FCS), Coventry University, in collaboration with Oxford University, under the joint supervision of Prof. Alban Pothérat, (Coventry University, UK, http://users.complexity-coventry.org/~potherat/ ) and Prof. Tom Mullin (Oxford University).

The topic concerns the experimental study of pipe flows seeded with particles. At high enough flowrates, flows of liquids in pipes become turbulent. The transition process involves complex nonlinear mechanisms that are still not fully understood. Yet predicting, delaying or triggering – in other words controlling –  the onset of turbulence is a pressing need both as one of the fundamental challenges of fluid mechanics and for the vast range of practical problems where the radically different energy and pressure losses incurred in laminar or turbulent flows have drastic consequences.

A more recent angle to this problem emerged with the growing practical importance of flows seeded with particles that can either prevent or induce a transition to turbulence depending on their size and concentration.  The underlying mechanisms were unknown until recently. The centre for Fluid and Complex systems developed a fully transparent pipe flow device of hitherto unmatched accuracy fitted with a unique optical detection device capable of mapping the motion of fluid and particles simultaneously to make the first breakthrough in this problem of fundamental importance. The question now is to understand how the motions of fluid and particles interact in detail, ultimately manipulate this interaction with electric fields and control the transition.  This is precisely the objective of this PhD, that offers a unique opportunity to use and develop cutting edge experimental techniques to tackle one of the great challenges of nonlinear physics, for both fundamental and practical purposes.

The fluid and Complex Systems Research Centre (https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/areas-of-research/centre-for-fluid-and-complex-systems) gathers fluid dynamicists, physicists and engineers to tackle fundamental, but also real-life problems involving fluids and complexity with mathematical rigour. For example, aside from its more traditional forte in fluid dynamics and statistical physics, the centre is also developing novel approaches in engineering fluid mechanics, flow measurement and socio-physics. The Fluid Dynamics Group currently comprises 15 Staff and PhD students and runs projects combining theory, numerical simulations and experiments, supported by a number of grants from research funding bodies (EPSRC, The Leverhulme Trust, the Royal Society…) and international partnerships. The group forms part of Coventry University’s Mathematics Unit of Assessment (10) for the Research Excellence Framework. 87% of the submission’s output was deemed internationally excellent at REF 2014. The centre prides itself in its active integration of PhD students in its academic life (events, seminars, interaction with its staff) and provides a vibrant international and interdisciplinary environment conducive to the production of world-class research.

Candidates must hold, or be on course for a 1st class Bsc. or Msc. degree in engineering or physics, with previous experimental experience and be motivated to conduct technically advanced experimental projects. Experience in fluid mechanics and/or measurement technology is strongly advised. The position is for a period of 3.5 years and is expected to start in January 2021.

To express interest in this PhD opportunity, please send a CV and a full transcript of academic records to Alban Pothérat (Coventry University, alban.potherat(at)coventry.ac.uk). Informal enquiries are encouraged.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Georgia State University (Atlanta, Georgia, USA) invites applications from prospective PhD students interested in magnetohydrodynamics, turbulence, and astrophysical plasmas.  New PhD projects in MHD theory and simulation will focus on modelling the interstellar medium using both local and global simulations.  These projects will use new computer systems at Georgia State University, national and international supercomputers, and data from world-class telescopes. 

The deadline for application is January 15th, 2021.  Successful candidates will enter the program in August 2021.  Research assistantships are available.  Prospective students should apply at https://www.phy-astr.gsu.edu/graduate/admissions/.

Inquiries about the program and the application process can be directed to Dr. Jane Pratt (jpratt7(at)gsu.edu).