PhD Student

Job description

Context –51% of electric motor failures are caused by bearing failure according to [Tong2014, Xie2020]. About 9% of such bearing failures are attributed to harmful electrical bearing currents. Recently introduced SiC or GaN power electronic switches can realize extremely fast switching, inducing electric bearing currents. Such currents are most prevalent for high-power applications where the conversion from electrical to mechanical energy (e.g. vehicles, air compressors) or vice versa (e.g. a wind turbine) needs to be as performant and efficient as possible. This results in a growing need for integrators of electrical drivetrains and manufacturers of electric drivetrain components to know the impact of the power inverter on potential bearing damage.

UGent initiated, in close collaboration with Flanders-Make and KULeuven, the research project EBearDam. The aim of this project is to construct a computational toolset that allows to assess the severity of bearing currents in a drivetrain and to evaluate the effectiveness of software or hardware-based countermeasures. One of the key tasks in this project involves multi-physics modelling of bearing currents and electric discharges through the lubricated roller-raceway contacts (Thermo-elastohydrodynamic lubrication) and the initiation of electrical pitting/fluting damage. The final goal is to build up fundamental knowledge of influential parameters and connect them to the expected severity of electrically induced damage.

Positions & Tasks - The envisioned PhD focuses on accurate and reliable 3D Thermo-Elastohydrodynamic lubrication modelling, involving precise constitutive modelling of relevant thermomechanical and electrical properties, for rolling contacts. It builds upon existing CFD-FSI models constructed in the open-source software OpenFOAM. The existing models need to be further developed by implementing electrostatic/electrodynamic equations. The model will be used to analyse the effects of electrical currents and discharges on the lubricant film and vice versa, as well as to determine a metric for the severity of the initial discharge damage.

Job profile

1. You hold a Master degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
2. You have a strong motivation for conducting scientific research at a high level.
3. You possess good analytical, and technical skills
4. You are interested in computational mathematics and High Performance Scientific Computing.
5. You have affinity with Tribology.
6. You have profound knowledge of Computational Fluid Dynamics and OpenFOAM
7. Experience with Electromagnetic Simulation is an asset.
8. Experience with programming in C++ and Python, is an asset.
9. You take responsibility for the development of your project in a well-structured, thorough way, and you’re able to solve problems independently. You display creativity in solving problems, generating ideas or finding new ways of working.
10. You have an open personality and willing to contribute to the team and participate in didactic projects.
11. You have excellent communication skills in English, both orally and written. Knowledge of Dutch is certainly an asset.
12. You're able to start within the next 3 months in this position, without any significant delays.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which - after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months.
• Your contract will start on 01/06/2024 at the earliest.
• The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by the Department of Personnel and Organization based on family status and seniority. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. Click here for more information about our salary scales
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits (in Dutch).

How to apply

To apply for one of these positions, please complete the corresponding application form:

https://forms.gle/6T7KsKykapocpeFG9

before April 20th, 2024. Your application will be taken into consideration on condition that all fields in the application form are properly filled in.