PhD Position Continuum Two-Phase Flow Modelling of Piping in Dikes

Delft; Delft; On-site; EUR 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

TU Delft invites applications for a PhD position focused on continuum two-phase flow modelling of piping in dikes. You will combine fundamental fluid–soil interaction physics with computational modelling to advance safety of flood defences.

You will develop models, derive constitutive relations from DNS-DEM data, and address multi-scale challenges while keeping computations efficient. The role includes publishing results and presenting at conferences.

Qualifications

• MSc in a relevant engineering or science field.
• Training in multiphase flow physics, numerical methods, and CFD.
• Excellent English communication and collaboration skills.
• Affinity with teaching MSc students.
• Familiarity with Euler–Euler modelling and mesh adaptation is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop continuum-based two-phase models to predict internal erosion and pipe progression in clay-sand layered dikes.
• Derive constitutive modelling approaches from high-fidelity DNS-DEM data within the project consortium.
• Capture multi-scale pipe formation while maintaining computational efficiency; explore adaptive mesh refinement.
• Disseminate results via publications, conferences, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Skills

English proficiency

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Research mindset

Education

MSc in Mechanical/Chemical/Applied Physics or related field

Tools

Euler–Euler multiphase modelling

Mesh adaptation techniques

CFD basics

Job description

PhD Position Continuum Two-Phase Flow Modelling of Piping in Dikes

Develop advanced models to understand and predict piping and internal erosion in dikes. As a PhD researcher at TU Delft, you will connect fundamental fluid–soil interaction physics with computational modelling to contribute to safer flood defences.

Internal erosion and piping are among the main failure mechanisms of clay–sand layered dikes and remain important challenges in flood risk management. Reliable numerical models can improve our understanding of how piping develops and help engineers assess and design safer, more reliable flood defence systems. In this PhD project, you will contribute to this challenge by advancing the modelling of particle transport and fluid–soil interaction in dikes.

A key scientific challenge is to represent the complex interaction between soil particles and flowing water across different spatial and temporal scales, while keeping the models computationally efficient. The research builds on an Eulerian two-phase modelling approach previously applied to backward erosion piping. You will investigate how this approach can be further developed to capture the physical processes that govern pipe formation and progression, while connecting detailed modelling with larger-scale analyses.

The goal of the project is to develop a robust and computationally efficient modelling framework that improves the prediction of piping in layered dikes. Your research will contribute to a better understanding of internal erosion and support the development of safer flood defence systems and more reliable flood risk assessments.

Your responsibilities

As a PhD researcher, you will:

• Develop continuum-based two-phase models to predict internal erosion and pipe progression in clay-sand layered dikes.
• Derive constitutive modelling approaches from high-fidelity DNS-DEM data generated within the broader project consortium.
• Capture the multi-scale nature of pipe formation while maintaining computational efficiency, including the exploration of adaptive mesh refinement strategies.
• Disseminate research outcomes through scientific publications, conference presentations, and collaboration with researchers from relevant disciplines.

You will work in an open and collaborative environment where interdisciplinary teamwork, curiosity and scientific excellence are valued. The group works closely across fluid mechanics, soil mechanics, hydraulic engineering and ocean engineering, using various computational and experimental techniques, sharing knowledge and expertise to develop innovative solutions with meaningful societal impact. Please see our work for more information: Offshore and Dredging Engineering .

Job requirements

You are highly motivated to translate fundamental flow and erosion physics into practically relevant scales through two-phase flow modelling. You are well organised, manage your time effectively and take initiative in a multidisciplinary research environment. You are results-oriented and enjoy working with researchers from different disciplines.

Furthermore, you meet the following requirements:

• You have an MSc degree in a relevant field (Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Applied Physics, Process Technology, Civil Engineering or a closely related discipline)
• You have received training in multiphase flow physics, numerical methods, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD), ideally complemented by application in your MSc thesis, research projects, or internships.
• Have excellent communication skills and command of English.
• Have affinity with teaching and guiding MSc students.
• Familiarity with Euler–Euler multiphase flow modelling and/or automatic mesh adaptation techniques is considered an advantage.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional.

Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty Mechanical Engineering

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional.

Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial