Hydromag Newsletter

Job title: Research Fellow

Job reference: REQ010475

• Application closing date: 24/02/2023
• Faculty / School or Service: Research Centre for Fluid and Complex Systems (FCS)
• Salary: £35,333 – £44,737 Per annum
• Package: As one of Coventry’s biggest employers, we offer some pretty impressive benefits including an excellent pension scheme and generous holiday allowances
• Basis: Full time
• Job category/type: Research

 

Applications are invited for the position of Research Fellow in theoretical and numerical fluid mechanics sponsored by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. The successful applicant will work under the supervision of Dr Junho Park and Prof. Alban Potherat on nonlinear stability and turbulence modelling in two specific problems.
The first problem aims at Modelling turbulence induced by hydrodynamic instability in differentially-rotating flows. The project will investigate theoretically and numerically the nonlinear development of centrifugal instability in differentially-rotating flow and develop a new turbulence model for multi-physics simulations. The project will advance our understanding of instability-driven turbulence and its role in multi-physics processes, for instance, those in the evolution of stars.
The second problem will consist in seeking the nonlinear states of convection in vessels heated from below and cooled from the top (Rayleigh-Bénard problem) in cases where the boundaries are not simple planes, and when the flow is subject to magnetic fields and background rotation. The question is whether convection can set in subcritically, ie, for lower critical temperature differences than predicted by the standard Rayleigh-Bénard theory. The answer could bring a new understanding of how planets sustain their magnetic fields but also advance our understanding of processes taking place in alloy casting.

It is expected that the successful candidate will have a deep understanding of fundamental fluid dynamics such as hydrodynamic stability, convection, turbulence, or rotating flows, and advanced knowledge of geophysical and astrophysical fluid dynamics and nonlinear systems in general. Experience with high-performance numerical simulations such as direct numerical simulation (DNS) or large-eddy simulation (LES), or in branch tracing techniques would be an advantage. In addition, the successful candidate should also be experienced in applying relevant numerical methods using MATLAB, Fortran, Python, Fortran or C++ (or similar).

The successful candidate should hold a PhD or equivalent in Fluid Mechanics or a related subject with a proven track record of producing scientific output at the highest level, as evidenced by high-quality journal publications. The Research Fellow will work within the vibrant environment of the Fluid Dynamics group, part of the Fluid and Complex Systems Research Centre, at Coventry University. The group conducts both fundamental and applied research in the fields of stability, magnetohydrodynamics, turbulence and geophysical fluid dynamics as well as other areas of fluid mechanics. In the REF2021, 95% of the group’s output, as part of the mathematics submission, was deemed ‘internationally excellent’ or ‘world-leading’.

The successful candidate’s academic development will be supported through Coventry University’s Early Career Researcher support programmes, alongside other researcher development activities. Given the importance of public engagement activities to this project, they will be given the opportunity to complete a Media Training Skills course.

Apply Online and more details: Link

Head of Liquid Metal R&D

Start on/after: March 1, 2023
For full consideration, apply by: February 1, 2023
If a potentially good or excellent match, we will contact you within 1 week from applying.

Imagine gravity-defying free-surface liquid metal layers, 0.5 m thick. Imagine them to coat the inside (“ceiling”, walls and “floor”) of the fusion device, and flow at several m/s. Can you picture that? Good. Now imagine being the leader of the Department that will make this a reality. Such heat-removing, neutron-shielding layers will be key to the commercial success of fusion with our approach and, we believe, with any other sensible approach. Excited? Keep reading. 

We are looking for an experienced, world-class engineer, physicist or material-scientist to inspire and lead the Liquid Metal R&D Department. The department will initially consist of 7 scientists, engineers and technicians, and is expected to double in size within 3 years.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities as a leader:

•  Form and lead the liquid metal department. Present status: 1 position filled and 6 positions advertised, of which 2 in advanced interview stage.

• Doer/manager. Occasionally contribute to experiments and calculations. Regularly spark fruitful, objective-driven scientific discussions and contribute to them.

• Write overview research papers and deliver keynote talks at research conferences.

• Identify potential partners (suppliers, customers, academic collaborators etc.). Set up and cultivate collaborations. Maximize co-creation of value.

• Monitor, foster and inspire advancements by the liquid metal team. Coordinate and enable the on-time, on-budget, on-specs accomplishment of technical milestones, including but not limited to:

  • Liquid Metal (LM) pumps.

  • Closed loops, ducted.

  • Full coverage of cylinder interiors with free-surface, flowing, gravity-defying thick LM. Extension to more complicated, larger surfaces.

  • Feedback stabilization of LM instabilities.

  • Control of multi-phase LM flows containing solid pebbles. 

  • Minimization of corrosion and removal of corrosion by-products.

  • Tritium extraction.

  • Lithium enrichment.

  • Integration of LMs with High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) coils and within the whole fusion device.

Responsibilities as a team member

• Receive/give feedback from/to team members. 

• Work closely with the CTO, the Head of HTS manufacturing and Heads of Engineering. Set directions for the LM department in collaboration with them, as well as other technical leaders (internal and external) and internal team-members. Similarly, help setting non-LM goals, especially if affecting or affected by LMs. 

• Work closely with internal and external colleagues on the neutronic characterization of LMs, their substrates and related materials.

• Quickly adapt to new internal information (delays, new results etc.). Work with an analyst to follow technical and commercial progress by LM competitors, suppliers, customers and other stakeholders, and (re)act accordingly.

Qualifications -essential:

• PhD degree in physics or in electrical, mechanical or nuclear engineering, or in materials science .

• 10+ years of experimental research experience in liquid metal magnetohydrodynamics (LMMHD) in the academia, or in (inter)national labs, or in the industry.

• 2+ years of experience and proven ability to manage and lead “big science” or “deep tech” projects and teams.

• World-class publication record, exceptional written and oral communication skills, and commitment to driving the LM department to exceptional publications and presentations. 

• Organizational and problem-solving skills. Attention to details and to the big picture. Ability to think outside of the box, inspire others to do likewise, instill a result-oriented mentality, fast pace and enjoyable atmosphere. 

• Ability to identify non-traditional applications of LMs (materials, subsystems such as pumps, sensors etc., and full systems) and to align innovation with commercial attractiveness. 

• Good understanding of and connections with the LM ecosystem (suppliers, customers, collaborators etc.). 

• Experience working safely with liquid Li, Na or other hot, flammable, corrosive fluids.  

• Ability to break down complex problems in small, manageable tasks. Ability to prioritize them based on relevance to the company mission and other metrics.

• Ability to inspire, stimulate and align scientific discussions within the LM department. Ability to translate them into actionable plans and lead the team to successful, timely execution.

Qualifications -desirable:

• 2+ years of research experience in LMs applied to nuclear fusion, fission, metallurgy or for the automotive or medical industry.   

• 2+ years of experience in high temperature operation, heat extraction and heat transfer. 

Qualified and interested?

Send your cv and motivational e-mail to jobs@renfusion.eu.

(from Anne-Lise Daltin, URCA, Reims, France )

 

Deadline for appications extended to 29 June 11:59

SNI Doctoral School – Digital and Engineering Sciences

Specialization in Materials Sciences, Surfaces and Interfaces

Laboratory: Materials and Mechanical Engineering Research Unit (MATIM)

Supervision of the thesis Anne-Lise DALTIN (al.daltin@univ-reims.fr)

Co-Director Florica LAZAR (florican.lazar@univ-reims.fr)

Financing from 03-10-2022 to 02-10-2025

Start of the thesis on October 3, 2022

Application deadline (at 11:59 p.m.) June 16, 2022 29 June 2022, 11:59 p.m. : 

https://doctorat.campusfrance.org/CF202227099

 

Title :     Surface structuring by magnetoelectrodeposition (SURFMED)

 

Key-words: magnetoelectrochemistry; magnetic fields; surface structuring; wetting; sustainability ; heat exchange;

Supervisor: Anne-Lise DALTIN – Materials and Mechanical Engineering (MATIM) – al.daltin@univ-reims.fr

Thesis co-director:  Florica LAZAR – Matériaux et Ingénierie Mécanique (MATIM) – florica.lazar@univ-reims.fr

 

Description of the research problem:

Context and challenges

In the MATIM laboratory, we carry out fundamental and application-oriented research related to energy and environmental aspects in different research fields.

The SURFMED project is part of a program which aims to develop innovative functionalized surfaces by magneto-electrochemical methods and to investigate their performance and resistance to aging for electro and magneto wetting applications. The final application is aimed at increasing heat transfer at the millimeter scale.

Magneto-electrochemistry is used in this project to design super-hydrophobic patterns, especially for electro-wetting studies, with good permittivity control at the micro-scale of the deposit.

Scientific objectives

– Synthesis of formed coatings and understanding of nucleation and growth mechanisms under the effect of forces induced by magnetic fields. characterization (physico-chemical and electrochemical);

– Modeling of electrochemical processes considering magnetohydrodynamic flows;

– Determination of process – structure – property relationships through a multi-scale and interdisciplinary approach. The specific properties sought relate to the intended objective, namely the optimization of the cooling regimes;

– Evaluation of the durability of these coatings under operating conditions and study of their resistance to corrosion by electrochemical methods.

Methodology and implementation techniques

A first part will consist in defining the parameters necessary to obtain well-structured alloy coating morphologies and the analysis of the reactions involved. Parameters such as electrolyte compositions, temperature during electrodeposition, current densities, potential, pulsed mode deposition parameters will be defined. This task will include the study of nucleation and growth mechanisms by analyzing electrochemical curves and modelling the influence of MHD and µMHD forces.

A second part will include the morphological and structural characterization by SEM and XRD of the synthesized coatings and the roughness will be determined.

The surface properties of alloy coatings are important in determining the durability and aging of a deposit. Zeta potential measurements of the alloy coating will be performed to determine surface charge as a function of various synthesis parameters to optimize wettability. The anti-corrosion properties of the coatings will be analyzed in an environment similar to their intended end use by measurements of corrosion potential, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and physical analysis.

………………….

 

Profile and required skills:

 

Engineer and/or master level – Good level of general and scientific knowledge. Good level of oral and written French and/or English. Good analytical, synthesis, innovation and communication skills. Qualities of adaptability and creativity. Motivation for research activity. Prerequisites (specific skills for this PhD thesis): Good knowledge of chemistry in general and solid-state physico-chemistry in particular. Knowledge of materials science and electrochemistry would be appreciated.

………………….

 

Contacts :

The candidate is invited to contact the Scientific Manager of the PhD thesis subject (Anne-Lise DALTIN al.daltin@univ-reims.fr ; Tel: +33(0)3 26 91 84 49 who will send the Doctoral School a reasoned opinion on his application.

Co-director: Florica LAZAR florica.lazar@univ-reims.fr ; Tel: +33(0)3 26 91 87 44

………………….