Research at the Institute for Reactive Flows (IRST) at the University of Stuttgart focuses on theory and computation of turbulent multiphase flows. The key expertise of our work is the modelling of multiscale processes and the corresponding interactions between turbulence, chemistry and particle dynamics. Examples include specific combustion related issues like turbulent combustion, solid fuel combustion and pollutant formation but also nanoparticle flame synthesis, flash boiling and mixing in particle laden flows.
We have a current opening at IRST for a research assistant (Ph.D.) position in the area of “modelling metal-particle combustion”. The project is motivated by the need to develop carbon neutral energy conversion processes. In this context, the potential of iron oxide as energy carrier shall be investigated. Iron provides an ideal storage medium as it can be oxidized in a combustion process to release heat. The iron oxides can then be collected and reduced using renewable energies such that the circular economy of iron and its oxides constitutes a carbon free energy provision process. Experimental studies, however, show that certain operating conditions can lead to so-called micro-explosions when particles are transported through the reaction zone. Such processes may generate nanoparticles that cannot easily be removed from the exhaust, and micro-explosion can therefore be associated with material loss, decreased process efficiency and environmental and health hazards. The current project shall develop methods to predict micro-explosions and their effect on the combustion dynamics in the context of Large-Eddy-Simulation of a burner geometry investigated experimentally at KIT. The simulations shall help to devise mitigation strategies that would prevent micro-explosions and ultimately lead to improved burner design for metal combustion.
Your tasks:
Your tasks will focus on the simulation of metal oxidation in a laboratory flame that is experimentally investigated at a partner institution.
You will develop new models and closures for the deterministic and/or statistical description of micro-explosions such that the models are transferable to applications of industrial interest.
You need to develop and implement the corresponding algorithms into OpenFOAM libraries that can also be used on high performance computing platforms.
You may want to use machine learning methods for model development and increased numerical efficiency by replacing standard modelling and numerical methods by AI surrogates.
You will analyze the simulation data with the aid of analytical models.
You will collaborate with a partner group at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, and all results shall be presented at national and international conferences.
Dissemination of your results in international journals is expected.
We expect an excellent Master degree in engineering or related disciplines. You have a solid background in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, combustion and/or particle technology. You enjoy theory and model development and their numerical implementation. You will have experience in programming (C, C++, Python). Knowledge of OpenFOAM for data generation, its pre- and postprocessing tools and machine learning related software would be very beneficial.
You will be an enthusiastic and self-motivated person with a willingness to work closely with other team members. The Institute’s scientific language is English, but willingness to study German is expected.
We offer:
Your monthly salary will amount to approximately EUR 3,700.00€. The grade and therefore the final salary will depend on your relevant experience. The original appointment will be for one year. Upon successful completion of the first year, the employment can be extended for a minimum of two further years.
We offer excellent potential for scientific development in the Institute for Reacting Flows (IRST) at the University of Stuttgart with state-of-the-art computer facilities and access to the University’s supercomputing centre.
The University of Stuttgart is one of the leading technically oriented universities in Germany with more than 20.000 students and more than 5.000 staff. The Institute for Reactive Flows is part of the Faculty of Energy-, Process- and Bioengineering.
Selection process:
The University of Stuttgart seeks to increase the number of women in areas, where they are underrepresented. Women are therefore expressly encouraged to apply. Severely handicapped people are given priority if they have the same aptitude. Employment will be arranged by the central administration. The University of Stuttgart strives for gender and diversity equality. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Please note that by submitting your application, you consent to the storage and earmarked use of your personal data. Information in accordance with Article 13 DS-GVO on the handling of applicant data can be found at https://www.uni-stuttgart.de/en/privacy-notice/job-application/
If interested, please send your CV and all other relevant application documents as PDF per email by September 11, 2026 to kronenburg@irst.uni-stuttgart.de
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11.09.2026