The Study Abroad Scholarships of Engineering Sciences is a broad range of research results on the international front in the basic subjects such as physics and mathematics, engineering mechanics with applications such as aerospace and automotive engineering. We also offer courses in engineering physics, mechanical engineering, automotive engineering and education, and "Open Entry" and a number of international programs of control.
The Flow Center Linn (www.flow.kth.se) organizes basic research in fluid mechanics at KTH and is one of the original twenty competencies centers founded by the Swedish Research Council (VR). The Centre was established with a vision of an outstanding environment for basic research in fluid mechanics, where innovative research leader is born and future research are encouraged to create.
Study Abroad Scholarships Project
The group of Stability and Transition within the Linn Flow Centre invites applications for a PhD position on the stability problem behind a bluff body. The bluff body geometry is found in many engineering designs, such as on most vehicles, bridges and skyscrapers just to mention a few, but is susceptible to an absolute instability when subjected to a simple main stream. This instability manifest itself in terms of shed vortices from alternating side of the body with a fixed frequency for a given main stream. The rolled up vortices are distinct and strong and may induce devastating periodic side forces, which can lead to structural vibrations and material fatigue. Other misadventures caused by this instability are increased aerodynamic drag and acoustic noise generation. A better understanding of this instability is therefore essential in the search for control methods, which may tackle the problem of vortex shedding from the body.
In this project the aim is to experimentally study the instability of wakes behind bluff bodies from a fundamental research point of view, both for the natural case as well as with various wake flow control methods applied. This is realized in a new experimental setup specially designed to perform parameter variations, which are most often not possible in usually fixed experimental geometries.
The Study Abroad Scholarships goal is to enhance the understanding of how the initial conditions of the bluff body wake affects the flow instability behind bluff bodies and the effect of different means of flow control that are applied. Finding means to reduce or even kill the often devastating vortex shedding in the wake of bluff bodies can contribute to safer designs of structures and reduced energy consumption by vehicles.
Qualifications
We seek highly motivated candidates holding a Master of Science degree in engineering or applied physics, mechanical engineering applied mathematics or related areas, as well as good skills in oral and written communication in English. Also, the applicants should possess the ability to work independently.
Employment
A Study Abroad Scholarships successful candidate is expected to join the Stability and Transition research group at the Linn Flow Centre. The position will include about 80% research and 20% teaching assistance.
Form of employment: Time limited
Start date: According to agreement
The salary follows the directions provided by KTH
Application
Application deadline: May, 1st 2011
Employer`s reference number: S-2011-0271
Applications via email to:
Carolina Eneqvist
carolina@mech.kth.se
Write reference number in the email subject.
Applicants about to finish their M.Sc. degrees may be considered for the position. The final decision is expected to be taken latest in the beginning of June, 2011.
Study Abroad Scholarships Application shall include the following documents in PDF format:
A personal letter where the applicants describe themselves, their qualifications and interests. Of particular interest for this position is experience of experimental measurement techniques and should be pointed out explicitly (pdf)
Curriculum Vitae, incl. names and addresses of two references (pdf)
Grade transcripts from university/university college (pdf)
Example of technical writing, e.g. essay, course report or paper (pdf)
Contact
Queries concerning the project content can be directed to:
Associate professor Jens Fransson
Phone: +46 8 790 61 93
jensf@mech.kth.se
