PhD Position Fully-Resolved Simulations of Internal Flow and Erosion Mechanisms in Dikes

Would you like to work on an intriguing topic at the interface between fluid and solid mechanics? Are you interested in studying internal flow and erosion mechanisms that could lead to failure of a dike? We are looking for an enthusiastic PhD candidate to explore the physics of “Backward Erosion Piping” (BEP), a major dike failure mechanism, by employing advanced fully-resolved numerical simulations.

The subsurface of many river dikes in the Netherlands consists of a thin and relatively impermeable clay layer on top of a thick and permeable sand layer. During high water, the high subsurface pressure may cause a crack in the clay deck at the land side of the dike, allowing water from the subsurface to flow upwards and carry away sand. A hollow pipe forms in the sand layer underneath the clay deck, marking the beginning of BEP. Subsequently, the pipe gradually expands towards the water side through primary (upstream) and secondary (downstream) erosion processes, thus destabilizing the dike.

In this PhD project, you will perform a fundamental study of pipe development through novel Particle-Resolved Direct Numerical Simulation (PR-DNS) of a small-scale system mimicking conditions in laboratory experiments on BEP. The PR-DNS uses a finite-volume solver for the fluid phase, an efficient Immersed Boundary Method for the particle-fluid coupling, and a soft-sphere collision model for frictional particle contacts. The in-house code is written in modern Fortran with the MPI extension for parallel computing on supercomputers. The PR-DNS will enable a detailed study of the instantaneous, 3D flow and particle motion during BEP development. Using this, the main aims for the project are to: (1) evaluate simplified, often 2D, models of BEP, (2) assess the influence of particle grading and solid friction on BEP, and (3) assess 3D effects such as meandering of pipes.

The research will be conducted within the Process & Energy department at TU Delft under daily supervision of Dr. Breugem and with Dr. Oldenziel (TUD/Deltares) as co-supervisor. The project is part of the Research Program ‘Digital dikes: a multiscale framework for risk assessment of Backward Erosion Piping’, consisting of multidisciplinary consortium of academics, industry and governmental bodies. This includes 8 PhDs, 4 Postdocs and 1 EngD working at different universities across the Netherlands. Experiments performed in a related PhD project will be used to validate the PR-DNS. Furthermore, the PR-DNS will be used to evaluate and develop closure relations for particle-particle and particle-fluid interactions needed for continuum models to simulate BEP and underground water flow at dike scale in another PhD project.

We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled candidate who is enthusiastic about studying the fundamental flow and erosion physics of BEP through PR-DNS. The successful candidate should have:

• An MSc degree in a relevant field (Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, Civil Engineering).
• Demonstrated competencies in fluid mechanics, computational fluid dynamics and scientific programming. Experiences with multiphase flows, Directe Numerical Simulation, Discrete Element Modelling, Fortran, and/or parallel computing are plusses.
• The ability to work in a multidisciplinary consortium, taking initiatives and being results-oriented. This also includes affinity with experiments.
• To be well organized and have excellent time management skills.
• Excellent communication skills and command of English.
• Affinity with teaching and guiding MSc students

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

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ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

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Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 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 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime 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 TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. Wim-Paul Breugen, via w.p.breugem@tudelft.nl.

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 15 June 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• Cover letter stating your motivation.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Summary of your master thesis.
• List of courses and grades at Master and Bachelor level (in English).

Applications will be reviewed as they are received as we hope to fill the position as soon as possible. You can address your application to Dr. Wim-Paul Breugen.

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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