PhD position in unsteady wind turbine aerodynamics

The unsteady flow diagnostics laboratory (UNFoLD) at the Swiss federal institute of technology of Lausanne (EPFL) invites applications by highly motivated, committed, and talented students for a PhD in the field of unsteady fluid dynamics.

Our lab focusses on the investigation of unsteady flow phenomena by combining high spatially and temporally resolved flow field measurements with - what we refer to as - a fluid dynamical differential diagnosis. We develop methodologies to help bridge the gap between our observations and understanding of the development and interaction of characteristic flow structures (e.g. vortices) and technically relevant quantities, such as aerodynamic forces or power output, with applications in biological and bio-inspired flight, wind turbine rotor blade aerodynamics, etc.

Within the SNSF funded project ’Dynamic stall management for improving aerodynamic robustness of H-type wind turbines’ (smart-H), the prospective PhD students will experimentally investigate the development of dynamic stall on model vertical axis wind turbines including the effect of rotor internal and external flow disturbances with the objective to improve prediction capabilities of blade loading, aerodynamic robustness, and performance.

Candidates should hold a master’s degree in physics, aeronautical or mechanical engineering. We are seeking candidates with a strong experimental profile with experience in particle image velocimetry, unsteady flow field analysis, or in designing laboratory flow experiments.

To apply, please send your application, including cv, motivation statement, recent transcripts, and names and contact information of three references as a single pdf file to [Email Address Removed]. Please address explicitly in your motivation statement why you are attracted to experimental research. If you do not receive a reply within 2 weeks, please assume that your profile does not match with our interests at the moment.

The open positions also require acceptance to the doctoral program in mechanics, for which you find further information at phd.epfl.ch/edey or phd.epfl.ch/edme. The next application deadline for the doctoral program is 15.01.2018, but review of applications is ongoing and will continue until the positions have been filled.