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EPFL, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, is one of the most dynamic university campuses in Europe and ranks among the top 20 universities worldwide. The EPFL employs more than 6,500 people supporting the three main missions of the institutions: education, research and innovation. The EPFL campus offers an exceptional working environment at the heart of a community of more than 17,000 people, including over 12,500 students and 4,000 researchers from more than 120 different countries.

PhD position - Role of venation for fluid-structure interactions of flapping flags

Mission

The Unsteady Flow Diagnostics Laboratory (UNFoLD) led by Prof. Karen Mulleners at EPFL in Lausanne is looking for a PhD student to experimentally study the role of non-uniform bending stiffnesses created by vein-like patterns on the fluid-structure interaction of flapping flags in steady and unsteady winds in the framework of SNSF-funded project Morphlag.

 

Our lab specialises in the experimental measurements, analysis, and modelling of unsteady vortex-dominated flow phenomena, with past applications in bio-inspired propulsion, wind turbine rotor blade aerodynamics, and gust interactions. Our research focuses on unfolding the origin and development of unsteady flow separation and vortex formation. We have built a reputation for carefully designed and precisely controlled experiments, high quality temporally and spatially resolved field experiments using particle image velocimetry combined with synchronised measurements of the technically relevant quantities, such as aerodynamic forces or power output, exploratory data analyses to bridge the gap between our observations and understanding of the development and interaction of vortices, and the technically relevant quantities.

Main duties and responsibilities

Nature is full of thin, flexible objects that bend, flutter, or flap in the wind or the water due to fluid-structure interactions. Past studies on fluid-structure interactions have predominantly focussed on thin rectangular flexible sheets or filaments in steady winds. Few investigations have focussed on the influence of morphology and the effect of unsteady flow perturbations on the flapping dynamics of thin, flexible objects. In this SNSF-funded project Morphlag, we propose a paradigm shift in conducting unsteady fluid-structure interaction measurements to close these gaps. We will develop an intelligent automated experimentation pipeline to fundamentally study how fluid-structure interactions of cantilevered flexible sheets or flags depend on their morphological design. The project's ultimate goal is to set a benchmark for unsupervised experimental aerodynamic investigations and optimisation studies and demonstrate the approach by revealing new physical insights and discovering new scaling laws describing the dynamics of flags with arbitrary shapes and non-uniform bending stiffness through venation in steady and unsteady winds. These novel physical insights can inform the future design of agile and efficient bio-inspired propulsion systems and novel energy harvesting solutions using flexible plates or kites.

 

Your responsibilities:

  • Perform original research on how flags with different non-uniform bending stiffnesses created by vein-like patterns react in steady and unsteady winds.

  • Lead and contribute to publications in scientific journals.

  • Contribute to general lab activities (including teaching assistance and co-supervision of student projects)  

Profile

  • A master's degree in engineering, environmental sciences, or physics.
  • Strong interest in experimental fluid mechanics.
  • Experience with experimental (fluid) mechanics or in designing laboratory experiments.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. (French is not required)

We offer

  • Opportunity to perform state-of-the-art research in one of the most dynamic scientific institutions in Europe.
  • Competitive salary and excellent educational conditions.
  • Term of employment: 1-year fixed-term contract (CDD), renewable for 4 years.

Informations

Only applications submitted through the online platform are considered. Interested applicants should upload the following documents:

  • CV
  • Motivation statement (please indicate your earliest availability date)
  • Grades from bachelor and master studies

 

The earliest starting date is January 2025, but screening will start immediately and will continue until a suitable candidate has been found. 

 

Working place : Lausanne

 

Contract Type : CDD for 1 year, renewable for 4 years

 

To be eligible for a PhD at EPFL, note that candidates also need to be enrolled in one of the EPFL doctoral school programs. This is a separate application process that you can start in parallel. We suggest that you apply to the Doctoral Program in Mechanics (EDME).

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Prof. Karen Mulleners (karen.mulleners@epfl.ch).










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