PhD position on indirect combustion noise; Fluid Mechanics; CFD; Aeroacoustics

This position is for a high-flying individual with a strong background in Fluid Mechanics aiming to kickstart a career in academia. This position is a smashing springboard for a keen student (MSc graduate) who aims for a career in fluid-mechanics research.

Key takeaways

Hours: 40 hr.
Salary indication: Salary gross/monthly based on full-time: 3,204 - 4,051
Deadline: 23 Oct 2026

Simulation-based development of indirect combustion-noise theory

To remedy ineluctable deficiencies in the current understanding of indirect-noise generation, especially as it relates to hydrogen-fueled systems, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) will be used. Initially, numerical analyses will focus on a previously used experimental setup operated at DLR. As a first step, non-reacting-flow modelling will be employed to definitively establish the cogency of non-reacting-flow simulations for systems with reacting flow. Moreover, this analysis will improve comprehension of the turbulent and thermodynamic processes, which influence combustion by considering them in isolation.

Three-dimensional non-reacting-flow simulations using lower-fidelity numerical models for compressible flows (Euler and URANS) will be compared to high-fidelity non-reacting-flow LES results to evaluate the predictive quality of lower-fidelity CFD methods. After that, the lower-fidelity simulations will be repeated including the combustion of classical hydrocarbons (methane) and hydrogen. The resulting numerical datasets will then be exploited to perform theory development. Notably, an effort will be made to elucidate the effect of the interplay between vorticity, compositional and entropy spots on indirect noise. Ultimately, the aim is to extend existing analytical/semi-analytical modelling to hydrogen combustion.

Research Objectives

(1) CFD studies of vorticity inhomogeneities convected by a high-Reynolds-number flow through a choked nozzle under non-reactive simulations.
(2) Non-reactive Euler/URANS/LES-simulation comparison of entropy-vorticity interaction with a choked nozzle.
(3) Quantification of the effects of combustion on noise spectra.
(4) Development of analytical/semi-analytical models.

Expected Results

(1) Vorticity/entropy interaction as a source of indirect noise.
(2) Comparison with classic hydrocarbons configuration.
(3) Analytical model for indirect noise due to vorticity/entropy interactions

Secondments

TU Delft (Netherlands, ca. 3 months): work on the development of new functionalities in a numerical-simulation-tool for indirect-noise investigations
ETH Zurich (Switzerland, ca. 2 months): to perform experiments on indirect noise

Your profile

You have a MSc degree in the field of (Applied) Physics, Applied Mathematics, Aerospace Eng., Mech. Eng., any of the above with a demonstrable specialization in Fluid Mechanics.
You have very strong fundamentals in Fluid Mechanics as it relates to the theoretical framework and/or numerical methods & Computational Fluid Mechanics (CFD) best practices.
Scientific communication skills
Minimum level of English proficiency: C1 (CEFR) or equivalent
Academic writing; viz., a demonstrated ability to produce cogent & concise scientific texts
Authorship of a peer reviewed publication in a pertinent journal or as a proceeding of a conference with standing is a plus
Produce cogent oral presentations

Our offer

A full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, and the flexibility to work (partially) from home.
Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from 3.204 (first year) to 4.051 (fourth year).
There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
Free access to sports facilities on campus.
A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).
Use of a public-transportation card one s commute and/or national travel for professional purposes.

Information and application

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before , and include:

A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, motivations to apply for this position.
A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, and, if applicable, a list of publications and references.

For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact Lionel Hirschberg (l.hirschberg@utwente.nl)

About the organisation

At the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET), we work on engineering for impact: developing smart, sustainable, human-centred and technological solutions for societal challenges. We connect fundamental education, research and practice across five core domains: Asset & Maintenance engineering, Intelligent Manufacturing Systems, Personalised Health Technology, Resilience Engineering, and Sustainable Production, Energy and Resources.

We work on education and research in mechanical engineering, civil engineering and industrial design engineering. Together, we learn by making, creating, and innovating, addressing challenges in a solution-oriented way. Quality, connection and inclusivity are the foundation of our culture.

In our open community, students, researchers and staff collaborate with industrial and societal partners. This enables us to develop insights, applications and solutions that add value to society.

Job details

Title: PhD position on indirect combustion noise; Fluid Mechanics; CFD; Aeroacoustics
Employer: University of Twente
Location: Drienerlolaan 5 Enschede, The Netherlands
Published: 2026-09-30
Application deadline: 2026-10-23 23:59 (Europe/Amsterdam)
Job type: PhD
Field: Mechanical Engineering, Acoustics, Fluid Mechanics, Applied Physics, Applied Mathematics, Aerospace Engineering