PhD scholarship in Diesel Engine Tribology

A PhD scholarship is available at DTU Mechanical Engineering, Section for Solid Mechanics, in the field of diesel engine tribology. The scholarship focuses on computational modelling and experimental verification of fluid film and bearing parts of journal bearings in large two-stroke diesel engines. The department has well-established research activities in these fields and the present scholarship is partly funded by the EU-project Hercules-C. The research activities will be performed in close cooperation with MAN Diesel & Turbo SE located in Copenhagen.

Project description
Large two-stroke engines are huge structures subjected to highly dynamic loads arising from the complex interplay between the combustion process and the crank- and propeller shaft dynamics of the multi-cylinder engine. An important consequence of this is that the bearing components in a two-stroke engine are experiencing highly dynamic loads. It is therefore of outmost importance to be able to model the bearing behaviour.

Elastohydrodynamic lubricant film modeling and experimental verification project: The pressure distribution between housing and shaft of the bearing is described through an elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication model. It is the aim of this part of the project to analyze the influence of properties of the involved components such as lubricant properties, elastic behavior, solid geometry, material properties, surface roughness and texture, etc. on the pressure distribution, temperature and oil film thickness in the bearing.

The aim of the experimental part is to test different combinations and to verify theoretical findings. The experimental part will involve development of suitable equipment for the tests and verification as well as the instrumentation, testing and verification itself.

The following topics have been identified as the most important

• Finite Element Modeling
• Tribology
• Mechanical testing
• Experimental data acquisition
• Measure oil film properties (oil film thickness, pressure and temperature)

Qualifications
Candidates should have a master's degree in engineering or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to the master's degree in engineering. Strong skills in Solid Mechanics, Finite Element Modelling and programming are required. Fluent English skills in speaking, reading and writing are needed. It is further required that the candidate has a strong interest in testing and instrumentation. Candidates with experience in LabView programming will be preferred.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide .

Salary and appointment terms
The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The period of employment is 3 years. The expected starting date is 1 April 2012.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Peder Klit +45 45 25 62 67.

You can read more about DTU Mechanical Engineering on mek.dtu.dk

Application
We must have your online application by 15 January 2012. Please visit www.dtu.dk/career - find this job - open the link "apply for this job online" and fill in the application form and attach the following documents;

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma
• Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and excel spreadsheet here)
• Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master's degree, but cannot begin before having received it.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

DTU Mechanical Engineering covers the fundamental engineering disciplines within Naval Architecture and Offshore Engineering, Energetics, Solid Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Control and Engineering Design, Hydrodynamics, Structural Engineering and Materials. It has a scientific staff of about 100 persons, 50 ph.d. students and a technical/administrative support staff of 50 persons.