PhD Position Particle Modelling of Scrap Handling Green Steel Production

PhD Position Particle Based Modelling of Scrap Handling for Green Steel Production

For the National Growth Fund (NGF) project “Groeien met Groen Staal” (GGS), a fully funded PhD position for a period of four years is available in the context of advancing sustainable and climate‑neutral steel production. This PhD project aims to develop an advanced particle‑based modelling framework to support the design and optimisation of scrap handling systems for continuous furnace infeed. The research will focus on modelling how key scrap characteristics – such as size, shape, density, and material heterogeneity – interact with scrap handling and transport systems, discharging equipment such as vibratory feeders, and industrial loading strategies employed in scrap yards for feeding Electric Arc Furnaces (EAFs).

You will develop and validate a particle‑based simulation model to capture the flow and behaviour of steel scrap throughout handling, transport, and furnace infeed processes. This includes integrating data provided by Tata Steel Netherlands to enable realistic modelling of industrial conditions. You will analyse how different scrap recipes and loading strategies influence process performance, and investigate the movement and segregation behaviour of scrap.

Based on these insights, you will design and optimise discharge sequences to improve operational efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and minimise wear. Finally, you will translate your modelling results into practical recommendations for implementation in industrial EAF operations.

The successful candidate will be supervised by Prof.dr.ir. Dingena Schott and Dr.ir. Yusong Pang, and will have opportunities to collaborate with the GGS consortium partners.

• holds a MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related field
• has demonstrable experience with Discrete Element Method or other particle‑based methods
• preferably has experience with experiments and/or scrap characterisation
• demonstrable affinity with industry‑related research
• has excellent written and spoken communication skills in English and demonstrates a collaborative mindset

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4‑year period of employment in principle, but in the form of two employment contracts. An initial 1.5‑year contract with an official go/no‑go progress assessment within 15 months, followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 to €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a full‑time contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end‑of‑year bonus of 8.3%.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing transferable, discipline‑related and research skills.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof.dr.ir. Dingena Schott d.l.schott.