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). In addition, there will be direct supervision from Prof. M. Blommaert, head of the Innovative Design for Energy Applications Lab (IDEAL) (Innovative Design for Energy Applications - IDEAL — IDEAL). There will be close collaboration with the Thermal and Fluids Engineering (TFE) group of Prof. M. Baelmans (Welcome to the group of thermal and fluids engineering! — Thermal and Fluids Engineering). Links to the website of both entities can be found below.
Project
Gradient-based optimization has revolutionized the designs of heat exchangers. Techniques such as shape and topology optimization are getting increasingly popular for practical applications due to the advancements in production technologies. Additive manufacturing allows for example the production of complex geometries. Although the state-of-the-art in shape and topology optimization has moved significantly in the last years for flow applications in the laminar regime, the progress for turbulent heat exchangers is still limited. Enabling these advanced techniques for turbulent flow conditions allows improving the design of a massive part of large-scale heat exchangers.
Optimization with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations becomes challenging in turbulent flow conditions due to the increased importance in resolving the boundary layer or impose wall functions near the solid-fluid interfaces. Density-based topology optimization allows for topological changes, but makes it hard to maintain a high-quality grid near the solid interface. To deal with these issues, level-set topology optimization tools that combine the flexibility of a topology optimization framework while keeping a body-fitted mesh will be explored for simulations with a Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) model. There will be a special focus on heat exchangers for lead-cooled SMRs, where the low Prandtl number of the lead demands for an advanced RANS approach.
Profile
You are a highly motivated, enthusiastic, and communicative researcher, and you are strongly interested in advancing the field of numerical simulation and design of heat exchangers. Moreover, you are a team player that enjoys collaborating with people within the research groups and with other involved partners, and have
• 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 modeling, 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 in spoken and written form
• A critical mindset
Additional research/educational experience in any of the following topics is considered a strong advantage:
• Coding in languages such as Python and C++
• CFD software (OpenFOAM, Ansys, SU2, …)
• Numerical optimization
• Flow solvers
• Heat transfer modeling
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 at international conferences
• A full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation after one year
• An excellent doctoral training at the doctoral school. This will allow you to gain the skills required to successfully complete your PhD, as well as develop yourself as an independent researcher. Moreover, opportunities are provided to acquire deeper knowledge in subjects related to the topic by participating in trainings, summer schools, or lecture series in- and outside of KU Leuven
• A flexible working culture with opportunity to 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.
Innovative Design for Energy Applications - IDEAL
Group of thermal and fluids engineering! — Thermal and Fluids Engineering
Interested?
Applicants should express their interest by sending an email to Prof. Niels Horsten via
[email protected]. The email should strictly contain the following information in the text body, in bullets:
• Name
• Master degree (Master specification, University + Country, Year obtained, Promotor)
• Master thesis title
• A one paragraph (up to half an A4 page) statement explaining the motivation for applying for this vacancy at KU Leuven.
Please also attach an academic CV and a PDF of your diplomas and transcript of course work and grades.
Do not directly apply in the online system as referred to below. The online applications will be neglected. Note that if you do not receive a response to your email within three weeks, this means you have not been selected for the second stage. Decision: as soon as a suitable candidate applies (so do not wait until the closing date to apply).
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize 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. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
