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PhDs in Experimental fluid mechanics and particle-laden turbulence, ETH Zurich, Switzerland

Du 1 mai 2022 au 31 août 2025

Experimental Fluid Dynamics Laboratory,
ETH Zurich, Switzerland
Contact, Prof. Filippo Coletti, fcoletti@ethz.ch

In atmospheric clouds, in industrial power plants, and in the pandemic we have been living, a crucial element is the interaction of small particles with the turbulent flow that carries them. Will two ice crystals collide and aggregate to form a snowflake? Will an ocean wave break and splash droplets in the atmosphere? How far will a drop of saliva travel in air? Particle-laden turbulent flows are ubiquitous and extremely challenging to predict: the chaotic motion of the fluid is intertwined with the particles’ ability to exchange momentum and energy at the microscopic scale, while also altering the flow globally.

Research project

Our group is starting a large ERC-funded project that aims at critically advancing our understanding of the building blocks shared by particle-laden turbulent flows. To this end, we will conduct experiments in large-scale facilities (wind tunnels, water tunnels, turbulence chambers, and outdoor field installations) making massive use of high-speed and high-resolution imaging. The objectives are to: (i) explore particle concentrations from dilute to dense, (ii) uncover multi-scale dynamics from 0.1 mm to 10 meters, (iii) reconstruct the particle and fluid motion in 3D, and (iv) bridge the gap between the laboratory and the natural world by investigating snowflakes falling on the Swiss Alps.

Job description

We look for motivated, highly prepared individuals, passionate about fluid mechanics and experimental research. Successful PhD candidates will possess a strong academic record and possibly experience in fluid mechanics/laboratory research. Successful postdoctoral candidates will have extensive experience in experimental fluid mechanics, particle imaging, and a strong publication record. Fluency in English and excellent communication and writing skills are a must. Desired starting time: October 2022 (funding available for up to five years).

Salary according to ETH standards (“Rate 4” for PhD candidates).

Environment

The newly founded Experimental Fluid Dynamics Laboratory is led by Professor Filippo Coletti (read and watch about our research vision here and here). We are part of the Institute of Fluid Dynamics, within the Department of Mechanical & Process Engineering at ETH Zurich. ETH is one of the world’s leading universities in science and technology, stably ranked #1 in continental Europe. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. See working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich.

Interested?

Please submit:
- a one-page motivation letter explaining your interests - your CV (max 2 pages)
- BSc/MSc transcripts
- the names and contact information of three references