Research Fellow in Numerical Modelling Using DEM-CFD and Molecular Dynamics

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Research Fellow in Numerical Modelling Using DEM-CFD and Molecular Dynamics

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Job description

Offer DescriptionChemical & Process EngineeringLocation: GuildfordSalary: £36,024 to £42,978 per annumPost Type: Full TimeClosing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Monday 12 August 2024Interview Date: Monday 19 August 2024Reference: 033424The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research.We are ambitious and have a bold vision of what we want to achieve – shaping ourselves into one of the best universities in the world, which we are achieving through the talents and endeavour of every employee.Our culture empowers people to achieve this aim and to collectively, and individually, make a real difference.The roleFunded by EPSRC and in collaboration with world-leading experts at the Universities of Birmingham and Swansea, we are recruiting a full-time postdoctoral research fellow to work on multiscale modelling of dispersion and dissolution of hydrocolloids in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the University of Surrey. The position holder will work with an internationally renowned supervisory team with expertise in theoretical, computational and experimental methods for complex multiphase fluids and granular materials at the universities of Surrey, Birmingham and Swansea.Hydrocolloids (HCs) are functional ingredients widely used for modifying the rheology, texture, microstructure, water activity, shelf life, release property and organoleptic properties of foods, pharmaceuticals, and fine chemicals. Effective dispersion and hydration of hydrocolloids are critical process steps for achieving the desired rested states and functionality. However, complex dynamic processes are involved during hydrocolloid hydration including wetting, swelling, dispersion and dissolution. A thorough understanding of the physicochemical interactions of HCs with solvents and the dispersion process at a multiscale is hence essential. The goal of the collaborative project is to develop advanced modelling techniques for a wide range of HC particles so that dispersion of HCs can be optimised to promote rapid dissolution in order to avoid the formation of slowly dissolving aggregates.The research fellow is expected to work closely with other researchers and collaborators on this project to model the hydration behaviour and kinematics of HC particles in a controlled hydrodynamic field using DEM coupled with CFD or SPH (DEM-CFD or DEM-SPH), or other numerical techniques, that accounts for the wetting, swelling, rupture, gelation and particle-particle interactions of hydrated HC particles including aggregation. This also involves validation of the developed numerical models using the experimental data provided by collaborators or reported in literature. In addition, the PDRF will also develop numerical models to predict the time evolution of the size distribution of hydrated/swollen/ruptured HC particles in typical dispersion and mixing processes relevant to industrial applications. Specific activities may involve but not limited to * Adapt an in-house coupled discrete element method with computational fluid dynamics (DEM-CFD) or DEM-SPH code by incorporating hydration contact models;

• Validate the modified hybrid code with experimental data;
• Model dispersion of hydrocolloids using the developed hybrid models, including sensitivity analysis and optimisation;
• Perform data analysis, wite technical report and papers, disseminate research outcome at national and international conferences;
• Supervise postgraduate and undergraduate research projects;

About youThe post holder must have a strong numerical background with proficient computer programming skills (E), a good track record in research publication and code development (E), some experience in developing DEM, DEM-CFD or similar models, such as DEM-SPH (E), and a good knowledge of high performance computing techniques (D). It is also expected that the PDRF has a high level of research ability and independence, and team-working skills to interact with other researchers, industry and the international academic partners (E). Previous experience in the development and application of numerical models in particle dispersion will be desirable but not essential.How to applyPlease make your application online, on the university website. Please submit a CV and cover letter with your application.For informal enquiry contact Prof. Charley Wu ( ).Further details:For more information and to apply online, please download the further details and click on the ‘apply online’ button above.In return we offer a generous pension, relocation assistance where appropriate , flexible working options including job share and blended home/campus working locations (dependent on work duties), access to world-class leisure facilities on campus, a range of travel schemes and supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on-site nursery.The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community. Therefore we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.Where to apply WebsiteRequirementsAdditional InformationWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute UNIVERSITY OF SURREY Country United Kingdom City Guildford GeofieldContact CityGuildfordSTATUS: EXPIREDShare this page

Expected salary

£36024 – 42978 per year

Location

Guildford, Surrey

Job date

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 22:01:31 GMT

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