Heat and moisture transfers in biobased construction materials : impact of ambient conditions

Université Gustave Eiffel - Site de Marne-la-Vallée; Île-de-France; Sur place; EUR 20 000 - 40 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading research institution in France is offering a PhD position focused on biobased construction materials. The role involves experimental measurements and numerical simulations to model heat and mass transfer properties. Candidates should have a strong interest in hygrothermal phenomena and proficiency in data analysis and programming. Funding is provided through the ERC Advanced Grant PHYBIOMAT.

Qualifications

• Strong interest in hygrothermal phenomena and heat transfer.
• Experience with NMR/MRI techniques is advantageous.
• Good scientific communication skills.

Responsabilités

• Conduct experimental measurements using NMR and MRI.
• Analyze boundary-condition effects on hygrothermal transfers.
• Collaborate with the group on project interpretations.

Connaissances

Data analysis

Numerical modelling

Programming (MATLAB, Python)

Formation

Enrolment in a PhD program

Outils

NMR

MRI

Description du poste

Overview

Bio-based construction materials are systems containing or formed of vegetal particles, such as wood, hemp, cellulose, flax, cotton, etc., possibly linked with a mineral paste or an organic binder. They represent a promising solution for carbon emission reduction, due to their low production cost and their partial or full recyclability. Moreover, they bring more comfort to the occupants thanks to their moisture-buffering capacity, and they require less energy for heating or cooling. These qualities are obtained through exchanges between water vapor and “bound water”, i.e., water absorbed in the solid structure, combined with heat transfers. Consequently, understanding and predicting water and heat (hygrothermal) transfers in such materials is essential to selecting them appropriately, adjusting their conditions of use, and designing innovative materials. However, the current analysis of their performance is generally based on limited evaluations at a global scale or via macroscopic models lacking physical information. Our group has recently developed original approaches and tools that allow to clarify and quantify the internal heat and mass transfers thanks to a proper description of boundary conditions, along with new NMR and MRI techniques [1-5] providing spatially and temporally resolved distributions of the water in its different phases.

The objective of this PhD work is to further explore the impact of the boundary conditions on the heat and mass transfers of biobased construction walls. Note that this research is also applicable to naturals textiles, for which the same problematic exists. The research work will focus on the relative impact of velocity and temperature on the drying of an initially saturated biobased material, with the objective to develop a physical knowledge and a detailed quantification of the processes. This will be carried out with the help of NMR and MRI measurements giving insights in the time evolution of the spatial distribution of moisture throughout the material, measurements with a special device providing the distribution of temperature inside the sample over time, numerical simulations of the air flux, and full modelling of the heat and mass transfer based on our recent developments in the group. The ultimate objectives are to develop a relevant predictive model of heat and humidity transfers in fibers + mineral paste systems, to optimize the control of air flux and temperature in biobased buildings for a reduction of energy consumption.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experimental measurements using NMR and MRI techniques to obtain spatial and temporal distributions of moisture in biobased materials.
• Carry out measurements of internal temperature distribution with a dedicated device over time.
• Develop and run numerical simulations of air flux and perform full modelling of heat and mass transfer in fibers + mineral paste systems.
• Analyze boundary-condition effects on hygrothermal transfers and contribute to the development of a predictive model for heat and humidity transfers.
• Collaborate with the group to interpret results and integrate findings into the project goals.
• Disseminate results through reports, papers, and presentations to scientific audiences.

Qualifications

• Enrolment in a PhD program or equivalent research position in a relevant field (e.g., building physics, materials science, hygrothermal analysis, or chemical/biomaterials engineering).
• Strong interest in hygrothermal phenomena, heat and mass transfer, and boundary condition analysis.
• Experience with NMR/MRI techniques is advantageous but not strictly required; readiness to work with such measurements is essential.
• Proficiency in data analysis, numerical modelling, and programming (e.g., MATLAB, Python); experience with simulations of heat and mass transfer is desirable.
• Good scientific communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative research environment.

Funding

Funding category: Public funding alone (i.e. government, region, European, international organization research grant)

Funding further details: ERC Advanced Grant PHYBIOMAT