Applications are invited for PhD positions starting March 2015 or later, within the field of advanced topology optimization of thermal energy systems at the Departments of DTU Mechanical Engineering (the TopOpt Group) and DTU Energy Conversion, Technical University of Denmark. The PhD-projects are part of the TOpTEn project funded by the Danish Council for Independent Research.

The Ph.D. projects are aimed at development of advanced topology optimization strategies and codes for design of thermal energy systems such as heat sinks, heat regenerators and heat exchangers. As part of the project selected optimized structures will be fabricated using additive manufacturing techniques and tested against current standard structures.

Responsibilities and tasks
The TOpTEn project is concerned with development of advanced methods and computer codes for automatic generation of optimal thermal energy systems based on expected operating conditions and system requirements. The codes will be based on topology optimization techniques that will be used to optimize the structure of various energy systems to improve heat transfer and other critical performance aspects.

Qualified applicants MUST have experience in

• Programming of numerical methods for problems represented by partial differential equations (e.g. finite element, finite volume, finite differences, Discontinuous Galerkin Finite Element Methods, etc.)
• and have experience in at least two of the following topics
• Modelling of non-linear physics problems
• Development/programming of large scale parallel computing codes
• Mathematical optimization techniques
• Topology optimization
• Multiphysics simulations (e.g. thermoelectric effects, coupled thermal-fluid-solid problems)

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.

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.

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Professor Ole Sigmund, Senior Researcher Boyan Lazarov and Senior Researcher Kurt Engelbrecht. 

Application
To apply, please read the full job advertisement at www.career.dtu.dk

Application deadline: 26 January 2015

DTU Mechanical Engineering covers the fundamental engineering disciplines within Solid mechanics, Fluid mechanics, Coastal and Maritime Engineering, Energy systems and energy conversion, Materials and Surface Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering design and Product development. The department has a scientific staff of about 100 persons, 110 Ph.D. students and a technical/administrative support staff of more than 80 persons.

DTU Energy Conversion is focusing on functional materials and their application in sustainable energy technology. Our research areas include fuel cells, electrolysis, solar cells, magnetic refrigeration, superconductivity and thermoelectrics. The Department has 250 employees.

DTU is a technical university providing internationally leading research, education, innovation and public service. Our staff of 5,700 advance science and technology to create innovative solutions that meet the demands of society; and our 10,000 students are being educated to address the technological challenges of the future. DTU is an independent academic university collaborating globally with business, industry, government, and public agencies.