PhD position on optimization of turbulent heat exchangers
The PhD research will be conducted at the Department of Mechanical Engineering at KU Leuven. The main supervision will be done by Prof. N. Horsten, who is appointed as academic chair for the thermal‑hydraulics research on lead‑cooled Small Modular nuclear fission reactors (SMRs). Direct supervision will also be provided by Prof. M. Blommaert, head of the Innovative Design for Energy Applications Lab (IDEAL), and close collaboration will be established with the Thermal and Fluids Engineering (TFE) group of Prof. M. Baelmans.
Project: Gradient‑based optimisation has revolutionised the design of heat exchangers. Techniques such as shape and topology optimisation are gaining traction for practical applications, especially now that additive manufacturing can realise complex geometries. While the state‑of‑the‑art in laminar flow optimisation has progressed rapidly, turbulent heat exchanger optimisation remains limited. This work will enable advanced optimisation under turbulent flow conditions and improve the design of large‑scale heat exchangers.
Optimisation with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations is challenging in turbulent flow due to the need to resolve boundary layers or apply wall functions near solid‑fluid interfaces. Density‑based topology optimisation allows topological changes but makes it hard to maintain a high‑quality grid near the solid interface. Level‑set topology optimisation tools combining flexibility with a body‑fitted mesh will be explored using Reynolds‑Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) models, with a focus on lead‑cooled SMR heat exchangers where the low Prandtl number of lead demands advanced RANS approaches.
Profile
* A master’s degree in Engineering with a background in mechanical engineering, nuclear engineering, aerospace engineering, mathematical engineering, or a related field, from a reputable institute, with at least distinction.
* A background in related fields such as numerical modelling, fluid mechanics, and heat and mass transfer.
* The qualities to carry out independent research, demonstrated, e.g. by the grades obtained on your MSc thesis.
* An excellent command of the English language, both spoken and written.
* Additional research/educational experience in any of the following topics is considered a strong advantage:
o Coding in languages such as Python and C++.
o Heat transfer modelling.
Offer
* A doctoral scholarship of four years and, if successful, a PhD in Engineering Science.
* A competitive salary and additional benefits such as health insurance, access to university sports facilities, etc.
* The opportunity to be active in an exciting and international research environment, engage in research collaborations and participate in international conferences.
* A full‑time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation after one year.
* An excellent doctoral training at the doctoral school, providing skills needed to complete the PhD and develop as an independent researcher, with opportunities for trainings, summer schools and lecture series in and outside KU Leuven.
* A flexible working culture with up to 40 % remote working.
* The selected candidate will be encouraged and supported to apply for an FWO PhD fellowship (maximum two attempts).
* We target to start the PhD in September or October 2026, but the exact starting date is negotiable.
Visible to all – we provide a flexible and inclusive research environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognise the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status.
Closing date: 2026‑06‑10 (Europe/Brussels)
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