PhD Position Advanced Lattice Boltzmann Methods for Multiphysics Simulations of Nuclear Reactors

Job description 

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to advance the state-of-the-art in the Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) for challenging multiphysics applications in nuclear energy systems. The research will focus primarily on Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs), while the developed methodologies are expected to be broadly applicable to other advanced reactor concepts.

The Lattice Boltzmann Method has emerged as a powerful alternative to conventional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) approaches due to its flexibility, excellent scalability, and suitability for massively parallel computing architectures. This project aims to extend and optimize LBM techniques to address the complex coupled phenomena occurring in advanced nuclear reactors.

Key research topics include: Thermal-hydraulic phenomena in nuclear reactor systems; Phase-change processes such as melting and solidification in molten salt environments; Gas injection and multiphase flow phenomena, including the introduction of inert gases into molten salts; Turbulent flow modelling; Coupled neutron transport and reactor physics; Precursor transport; Chemical interactions and species transport; Corrosion and material degradation processes.

In addition to developing new physical models, the project will investigate advanced numerical methodologies, including: Novel and improved boundary-condition treatments; Advanced collision schemes; Multigrid and accelerated solution techniques;

A major component of the project is the efficient implementation of these methods on modern GPU-based high-performance computing platforms. Owing to the inherently parallel nature of the Lattice Boltzmann Method, substantial computational performance gains can be achieved, enabling high-fidelity simulations of complex reactor systems.

As a PhD candidate, you will develop and investigate new Lattice Boltzmann methodologies and improve existing techniques for nuclear engineering applications; Develop numerical methods for coupled phenomena involving fluid flow, heat transfer, phase change, neutron transport, chemistry, and corrosion; Optimize algorithms for execution on modern GPU architectures and high-performance computing systems. 

Job requirements 

 We are looking for an excellent PhD student who

• has an MSc in a relevant field, such as (applied) physics, chemical engineering or mechanical engineering
• combines creativity with a sound academic attitude
• can show to be excellent in transport phenomena and modelling in this field
• feels strongly attracted to numerical modelling and programming and has shown to have excellent skills in both areas.
• has excellent communication skills in English, both in writing and speaking

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology) 

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference. 

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future. 

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward. 

Faculty Applied Sciences 

With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers. 

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.