PhD – Experimental analysis of evaporation and condensation in air and steam heat exchangers

Job title:

PhD – Experimental analysis of evaporation and condensation in air and steam heat exchangers

Company

VKI

Job description

For 65 years as an international center of excellence in fluid dynamics, the von Karman Institute (VKI) brings together young engineers and scientists from all over the world to study, improve their skills and perform their research.“A scientist studies what is, whereas an engineer creates what never was “
Théodore von KármánBesides its mission of education, the von Karman Institute gathers the top-level scientists and engineers to work on very challenging projects as the next generation of engines, new propulsion concepts, the new green energy, the safety of industry, solutions for a cleaner space, the Mission to Mars and many other fields of research which can make the difference for the humankind. Those scientists have access to more than 50 wind tunnels and test rigs, some of them unique in the world to help them in their projects.VKI is a team of people looking in the same direction, for a better future, not only scientists and engineers but also students, PhD candidates, Postdocs, IT, Human Resources, accountants, librarians, designers, technicians and more….Today, we are looking for a PhD student in the Environmental and Applied Fluid Dynamics Department who would perform an experimental analysis of evaporation and condensation in air and steam heat exchangers for the thermal regulation of airplane cabin environment.Duration: 4 yearsDeadline submission: 29th March 2025About the Research topic:Heat exchangers are essential for maintaining a comfortable and safe airplane cabin environment, as they regulate air temperature and humidity while efficiently managing heat loads from electronic systems and external conditions. Advanced thermal management designs contribute to lowering fuel consumption, making airplanes more sustainable. The proposed PhD research will focus on a finned channel heat exchanger operating with air and steam. More specifically, the study will focus on answering the following questions:

• How can I measure the aerothermal performances of a finned channel submitted to water evaporation or condensation? How does it differ from the performances with air only? Can I predict these performances?
• How can I assess the flow regimes of a mixture of dry air, steam, and water droplets flowing in a finned channel, and submitted to a given heat power density? When is condensation or evaporation observed? Can I predict the flow regime?

To answer these questions, an extensive experimental database will be developed to evaluate the aerothermal performance and flow regimes of a finned channel submitted to different types of air/steam/water mixtures. This research will also include the design of the experimental setup, and the derivation of correlations and flow maps using data regression techniques.Requirements:

• Educational Background: You hold a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Technical Knowledge: You have a solid foundation in fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and phase change phenomena. You are familiar with experimental techniques such as thermocouples, pressure measurements, and infrared thermography for thermal and fluid flow analysis.
• Domain Expertise: Ideally, you have prior experience or a strong interest in heat exchangers, particularly in aeronautics, and/or multiphase flow dynamics.
• Experimental and Analytical Skills: You have experience designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, and developing empirical correlations. Knowledge of uncertainty analysis and experimental validation techniques is advantageous.
• Computational Skills: While the focus is experimental, familiarity with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, or even better OpenFOAM) and data analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python) is beneficial.
• Collaborative Mindset: You thrive in an international, multicultural research environment and can work both independently and as part of a team.
• Communication Skills: You are proficient in written and spoken English, with the ability to present and publish research findings effectively. Basic knowledge of French is a plus but not required.
• Research Mindset: You have a passion for scientific discovery, a curiosity-driven approach to problem-solving, and the persistence to tackle complex challenges with creative, out-of-the-box thinking.

Benefits:

• Employed by the von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics in one of the most attractive areas of central Europe in the neighborhood of Brussels.
• Work at the internationally renowned von Karman Institute in a key role advancing technologies for future energy systems.
• Work in close collaboration with Belgian universities as well as an industry network.
• Become part of the VKI network with global access to industry experts and academics in the field of fluid dynamics, aerospace, propulsion, and energy conversion.
• Experience the unique international workshop character of the VKI working environment.
• Access to specialized seminars and lecture series and to world-unique facilities

Eligibility CriteriaAs the von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone who meets the eligibility criteria below is encouraged to apply for this position. * meet the requirements for the duties concerned.

• be a citizen of one of the VKI partner countries (see link):

von Karman Site Location: Close to Brussels @ Rhode-Saint-Genèse (Flemish-Brabant)Contact information: For further information, please contact Delphine Laboureur( ) and Sara Gonzalez Ruiz ( ).How to applyWe encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Diversity in perspectives strengthens research, and we welcome individuals who bring unique insights and ideas to our team.Applications must contain a CV, motivation letter, publication list, contact information of two referees, copy of the Degree and Master title. CV must clearly indicate the exact dates of (1) each position held in the past, and (2) countries of residence in the last 5 years.Important: do NOT send your application by email but apply online.

Expected salary

Location

Brussel – Sint-Genesius-Rode, Vlaams Brabant

Job date

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 23:13:19 GMT

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