PhD Position MRI Flow Measurements in Inertial Dense Suspensions

PhD Position MRI Flow Measurements in Inertial Dense Suspensions

Curious about how dense particle flows defy the usual rules of laminar and turbulent motion? Join our ERC project and use MRI to uncover these flows.

Inertial Dense Suspensions (IDeS) are common in nature and industry, with examples ranging from blood flow and recycling to waste slurry transport, additive manufacturing, and energy storage solutions. Despite their practical importance, these flows remain poorly understood. As a result, even the most basic properties cannot be predicted reliably. For instance, the best available models over- or underestimate the measured pressure drop in a suspension pipe flow by 30-40% across different flow rates.

This makes designing and controlling these flows difficult. The difficulty arises partly because these flows do not fit the conventional ‘laminar’ versus ‘turbulent’ classification; they inhabit a terra incognita. Most theoretical studies so far have focused on confined suspensions in the viscous regime, but this idealized approach is insufficient for practical applications. Finite particle size and velocity introduce complex inertial phenomena, such as particle‑induced fluctuations, a gradual transition to turbulence, and shear‑induced migration.

These effects are at best only qualitatively understood, yet they profoundly alter the flow behavior. Understanding and accurately modelling these flows will enable more energy‑efficient transport of industrial slurries, improve our understanding of blood flow, and support the development of sustainable manufacturing processes.

This PhD position is part of the ERC Advanced Grant project IDeS and you will join a team investigating densely‑laden pipe flows. In the project, you will use Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Velocimetry to provide insight into the velocity and concentration profiles. This technique provides a major advantage, as it can measure in opaque suspensions. Your data will supplement the data obtained by other team members (who use complementary flow measurement techniques) and we will jointly formulate theoretical models to predict the flows.

A dedicated MRI facility is available. No prior experience with MRI is required, but a willingness to push the boundaries of velocimetry is essential. An example is the extension to turbulence statistics, rather than just mean velocity profiles.

You will join the Process & Energy (P&E) department at TU Delft's Mechanical Engineering faculty, working in a lab equipped with a wide range of flow facilities and advanced measurement modalities, including MRI and ultrasound systems dedicated to multiphase research. The positions include conducting experimental research, publishing in peer‑reviewed journals, presenting at conferences, and mentoring BSc and MSc students. Additionally, you will have opportunities for professional development through both technical and non‑technical courses.

We are looking for a self‑motivated, critical, and creative candidate with:

• An MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace or Chemical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field.
• Proven experience with experimental work and a drive to explore and improve state‑of‑the‑art techniques.
• Image/data processing skills in Python or Matlab.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English‑taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.
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