Research Associate in High Fidelity Modelling and Verification of L-Dew

Laser-beam interactions with metallic systems are a complex interplay between thermal, momentum and topological changes. Further complications arise when sufficient power density is achieved and a thermo-capillary or ‘keyhole’ region is formed in which the beam can undergo multiple internal reflections. Understanding the evolution of this keyhole region and surrounding liquid metal has a variety of applications in advanced manufacturing and defense. This is a DMEx funded project.

Predicting these mechanisms is a complex mathematical problem that involves the solution of a framework which captures the conservation of momentum, energy and mass with some ray-tracing implementation of the discretized laser beam. Simulations of such complex systems often employ simplifications of the governing physics. One example is to assume that flow is incompressible. The more accurate approach is to capture the volumetric dilation during vapourisation/condensation as a metallic substrate vapourises and then occupies a volume many orders of magnitude greater/lesser than its initial volume. These higher fidelity approaches that capture the volumetric dilation accurately are inherently more computationally expensive, but more faithfully simulate the application of high energy density laser sources to multi-component metallic substrates. Such a high-fidelity modelling framework, that captures the volumetric dilation effects, has recently been developed at The University of Manchester in the Department of Materials.

The purpose of this role is to utilize the higher fidelity thermal-fluid-dynamics framework to understand the effect of processing parameters on thermos-capillary ‘keyhole’ evolution in multi-component metallic substrates. This will involve running simulations using the code on the university’s high-performance computing resource and analyzing the results to form conclusions. The successful applicant will also work closely with experimental colleagues to validate the simulation results with experimentally obtained penetration rate data. The successful applicant will also be expected to contribute to the maintenance and development of the code and github repository, as well as contributing to the general modelling community within the department and wider faculty.

Due of the nature of this clearance, candidates will need to have sole UK nationality. UoM has an ethnically diverse team of UK nationals.

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please be aware that due to the number of applications we unfortunately may not able to provide individual feedback on your application.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk.

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Dr Tom Flint

Email: tom.flint@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

0161 850 2004 https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

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