PhD opportunity – Numerical Investigation on Casting of Liquid Products in the Electric Smelting Furnace

An opportunity is available for a PhD candidate to undertake a research project on a low emission ironmaking technology – the Electric Smelting Furnace (ESF), in collaboration with BlueScope Steel at the University of Wollongong (UOW). The project aims to develop and validate computational fluid dynamic models to simulate and better understand ESF operating conditions. Working within a team of UOW and industry investigators, the candidate will focus on advanced numerical modeling of multi-phase and multi-physics phenomena in the ESF, with opportunities for both industrial and academic experience and career development.

An exciting opportunity is now available for a PhD candidate to undertake a research project on a future, low-emission ironmaking technology – the Electric Smelting Furnace (ESF). Based at the University of Wollongong (UOW) in the School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering, the project is one of several related collaborations with BlueScope Steel.

The specific research aim is to develop and validate computational fluid dynamic models to simulate and better understand operating conditions in the ESF. The research is part of the ESF program which includes complex physical experiments and numerical studies. The PhD candidate will work within a team of UOW investigators and their industrial partner investigators, and be trained to undertake high-quality, cutting-edge numerical modelling of multi-phase and multi-physics phenomena in the ESF.

There will be ample opportunity for the PhD candidate to work in both industrial and academic environments, and hence, develop industry-related project management skills. The professional training and personal development through this project and the university’s overall mentoring scheme, will help prepare the candidate for a career in academia or industry.

• Faculty: Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences
• Study area: Electromagnetic Metallurgy; Materials Engineering; Thermo-physics
• Student type: Domestic students; International students
• Student status: Current student; Future students
• Scholarship amount: Successful candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $AUD 45,000 per annum for the duration of the award.
• Duration: 3.5 years.

Application process

• Applicants should submit a cover letter detailing relevant experience and research interest; CV with names and addresses of two referees; and academic transcripts.
• We seek applicants from diverse backgrounds, reflecting all facets of prior experience or history.
• The EOI should be sent via email to Xuefeng Dong (xuefeng@uow.edu.au) AND Ray Longbottom (rayl@uow.edu.au).

Eligibility requirements

Essential

• Academic qualification. Applicants should hold an honours (or equivalent) undergraduate degree, or a Masters degree, in a closely related discipline, or the equivalent combination of professional experience and academic qualifications
• High level written and verbal communication skills in English, presenting research work and outcomes to both the industrial and academic communities

Highly Desirable

• Knowledge in either CFD, metallurgical process, or numerical process simulation
• Experience in one or more areas: numerical analysis, fluid dynamics, computational methods, materials engineering, or thermo-physics.
• Good computer skill, and ability to work collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• (Desirable but not essential) Familiarity with CFD software or CFD programming.

Application closing date: Wednesday 31 July 2024

Contact information

Xuefeng Dong – xuefeng@uow.edu.au