PhD position on “Acoustic metamaterials for suppressing thermoacoustic instabilities” in Zürich

100%, Zurich, temporary

The Laboratory of Combustion and Acoustics for Power & Propulsion Systems (CAPS) in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering invites applications for a PhD position on the development of acoustic metamaterials for suppressing thermoacoustic instabilities in gas turbine sequential combustors. These large gas turbines are used to balance intermittent electricity production of renewable sources. Their new sequential combustor architecture is foreseen to be key for the challenging combustion of hydrogen, produced from wind and solar excess production. The PhD work is part of an ERC Consolidator project.

The goal of this research is to develop a framework for the design of acoustic metamaterials through theoretical modelling, experiments and numerical simulations. These sub-wavelength broadband sound absorbers are aimed at suppressing harmful thermoacoustic instabilities in the harsh environment of large gas turbine combustors. Theoretical models of the metamaterial nonlinear dynamics will be developed and validated experimentally. It is intended that these models will predict the complex dynamics of these periodic chains of coupled nonlinear aeroacoustic oscillators. This theoretical work will be complemented with numerical simulations based on the use of finite element Helmholtz solvers for the acoustics and Large Eddy Simulation solvers for the aeroacoustics. Experiments will be carried out in the wind channels and the combustors of the laboratory using experimental techniques for acoustics (e.g. scattering matrix measurements) and fluid mechanics (e.g. high-speed Particle Image Velocimetry). The research outcome is expected to be published in scientific journals.

Applicants for this position are expected to have an excellent MSc degree in mechanical engineering or physics. Ideally, you have experience and a proven record in one or more of the following fields: nonlinear dynamics, acoustics, fluid dynamics. A solid background in math and physics is required. We are looking for highly motivated, committed, and creative individuals, able to work in a team and with excellent communication skills. Working in a top-level research environment with advanced laboratory infrastructure, the candidate will have a unique opportunity to develop their research abilities. The position is available from November 2019 onward.

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