MetaWing: Explore the interface between Metamaterials and Laminar Flow Control
Job description
About the project:
The MetaWing project explores a new disruptive concept for flow control, first born in classical wave physics: Metamaterials. These are engineered composite structures, invoking dispersive wave phenomena to gain exotic properties that go beyond what is considered possible in Nature. A key property is the bandgap, a range in which waves are suppressed when interacting with the Metamaterial. Our team recently found key evidence of dispersive wave suppression in boundary layers. However, wave?'like flow instabilities have key differences from classical waves, forming a new regime of dispersive wave interactions. Thus, the nature of bandgaps in boundary layer flows remains unclear and unexplored.
The main objective of this project is to experimentally develop and use Metamaterial?'derived concepts for the control of laminar?'turbulent transition on swept wings.
We are seeking an enthusiastic, motivated and skilled PhD candidate to join our team. We will work towards the specific challenge of understanding the formation of bandgaps in swept wing transitional fluid flows and using them to suppress wave?'like boundary layer instabilities, thus delaying laminar?'turbulent transition.
This PhD position will entail the experimental design, fabrication, and characterisation of Metamaterial prototypes aimed at controlling Crossflow Instabilities forming on swept wings. A range of fabrication facilities available within our laboratory can be used to produce functional prototypes. All prototypes will be characterised for their dynamic and geometrical conformity using in-house methods. Eventually, the prototypes will be exposed to swept wing transitional flows in our wind?'tunnel facilities, (specifically the Low Turbulence Tunnel and/or the Anechoic Vertical Tunnel), to characterise their behavior and understand their influence on boundary layer instabilities. The relevance of this work is not restricted to swept wings but also supports current research in our laboratory whereby suppression of wave?'like instabilities in a variety of transitional flows (e.g. 2D boundary layers and laminar separation bubbles) aims to delaying laminar?'turbulent transition.
About the team:
We are a young, international, and diverse team of colleagues in the vicinity of the newly founded chair of Flow Control. We approach problems in a horizontal "team spirit" and continuously traverse boundaries between theory, simulations, and experiments towards understanding and controlling fluid flows. In our team, we strive for a cocreative and stimulating environment where we can develop our skills as a scientist, team member and teacher. We place great emphasis on a collegial working environment where everyone is welcome and encouraged to shape their own PhD track. We like to know about everyone's research project and try to help and learn from each other's problems to boost our scientific and personal growth.
We also enjoy many team?'building activities and events where you will get to know your teammates in a different environment, sharing personal life experiences and having a great time outside of the lab!
Almost 90% of our laboratory and offices are wheelchair accessible, including all wind tunnel facilities. If you'd have any specific concerns about accessibility, please don't hesitate to contact us (see below for contact information).
Job requirements
You should meet the following requirements:
- MSc degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, applied physics or applied mathematics.
- Background and affinity in fluid mechanics (e.g. MSc thesis on a fluids?'related topic).
- Good track record in BSc and MSc degrees.
- Proficiency in the English language, both oral and written.
- Strong motivation towards pursuing a PhD and willingness to develop diverse skills.
- Enthusiastic about working in an energetic team and in close collaboration with other researchers.
The following skills are also highly appreciated:
- Affinity with flow stability and transition theory and modelling.
- Experience with acoustic/vibrational waves, periodic structures and/or Metamaterials.
- Experience with experimental measurement techniques for fluid mechanics.
TU Delft
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.
Challenge. Change. Impact!
Faculty Aerospace Engineering
The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is a leading international community where innovation in aerospace meets global challenges. Our support and scientific staff, including PhD candidates, postdocs, and students, largely work together on three main themes: the energy transition, sustainable aerospace, and safety and security, with the aim of tackling climate change and contributing to the independence and security of Europe.
When you join us, you become part of a diverse, collaborative, and forward?'thinking environment where your ideas and perspectives are valued. Our work extends beyond the lab-into field labs, innovation hubs, and partnerships that span other faculties, research institutes, governments, and industry, both locally and globally.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace, assisted by an active Diversity & Inclusion team. This includes tangible support such as funding for extra personnel for family and caregiving responsibilities, mentoring programmes, and initiatives that promote cultural exchange and integration.
You don't just join our faculty - you join a community where you can thrive, grow, and help shape the future of aerospace.
Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering.
Conditions of employment
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.
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.
, 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.
- Motivational letter (1 page maximum)
- Detailed CV
- BSc and MSc Transcripts
- An extract of a scientific document you wrote in English (e.g. An article or your MSc thesis)
Screening of the applications will be performed on a rolling basis and suitable candidates will be invited for an interview. You can address your application to Prof. Marios Kotsonis.
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.
Please note:
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
- As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about .
- Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.