Physics Models Power and Propulsion Innovations using Computing

About the Research

The US Army Research Laboratory, Mechanical Sciences Division, conducts basic and applied research in Turbine Power and Propulsion to address far‑term science and technology challenges envisioned for future battlefield environments in Multi‑Domain Operations (MDO). Energy and Propulsion is one key thrust area, where exploratory fundamental research is conducted in propulsion sciences for Army gas turbine engines and hypersonic weapon systems to enhance durability, performance, self‑sustainability, and high power density under extreme battlefield operating conditions.

The research associateship focuses on developing novel physics‑based models, high‑fidelity simulation, and machine‑learning capabilities to understand fundamental physics and explore the design space of next‑generation disruptive propulsion platforms. It involves collaborations with leading OEMs and academia and has direct links to experimental facilities at the ARL Weapons and Materials Research Directorate.

• Develop new physics‑based computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models for turbine power and propulsion systems.
• Perform mesh generation, turbulence modelling, and MPI‑based HPC scalability analysis for massively parallel computations on DoD leadership High Performance Computing (HPC) facilities.
• Collaborate with ARL Weapons and Materials Research Directorate and external partners to validate models against experimental data.
• Advance numerical methods such as direct numerical simulation (DNS), large‑eddy simulation (LES), or Reynolds‑averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) approaches, including interface‑tracking (VOF, LS), hybrid Eulerian–Lagrangian, and fluid–structure‑interaction (FSI) models for jet engine and hypersonic system optimisation.
• Develop and apply machine‑learning techniques to leverage large simulation datasets for insight discovery, optimisation, and data‑reduction, and support big‑data processing and in‑situ visualisation.

• Deep knowledge of CFD model development, mesh generation techniques, turbulence models, and MPI communication protocols.
• Experience with HPC and scalability analysis for massively parallel computations.
• Familiarity with data‑visualisation hardware and software resources and with big‑data processing.
• Background in computational fluid dynamics, mechanical or aerospace engineering, or related disciplines.

Eligible candidates must hold a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree and be at least 18 years of age.

ARL Advisor: Luis Bravo
Contact Email: luis.g.bravorobles.civ