PhD position: Direct numerical simulation of real-size internal combustion engines 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 direct numerical simulation of of real-size internal combustion engines. The PhD work is part of the European H2020 project Center of Excellence in Combustion (CoEC).

The Center of Excellence in Combustion is a collective research and innovation effort of combustion research laboratories across Europe to exploit Exascale computing in order to address fundamental challenges related to the simulation of combustion systems. In line with the decarbonization goals of the European power and transport sectors and the European roadmap to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, the center will promote a core of scientific and technological activities aiming at extending the state-of-the-art in combustion simulation capabilities through advanced methodologies enabled by Exascale computing.

The direct numerical simulation (DNS) of premixed flames in internal combustion engines under computationally-affordable high pressure conditions provides unique data to enhance our physical understanding of the underlying processes and for the development of advance engineering models. The benefit of using overlapping grids and r-adaptivity approaches with our spectral element code for low Mach number combustion will be explored to reduce the computational cost. Pure hydrogen and hydrogen-hydrocarbon blends will be simulated to study the interaction of the intrinsic flame instabilities with turbulence as well as flame-wall interactions (including quenching and heat flux to the walls) in the time-varying geometry of a real-size internal combustion engine.

Applicants for this position are expected to have an excellent MSc degree or equivalent in mechanical engineering or physics. Ideally, you have experience and a proven record in one or more of the following: high-order numerical methods and programming, combustion simulation, fluid dynamics. A solid background in math, physics and programming is required. We are looking for highly motivated, committed, and creative individuals with excellent communication skills able to work in a team. The position is available from October 1st 2020.

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.