Sep 15, 2008

PhD Multi physics & multi phase modeling in lubrication-INSA

PhD vacancy at INSA de Lyon LaMCoS
Multi physics & multi phase modeling in lubrication
Host laboratory

LaMCoS - Laboratoire de Mécanique des Contacts et des Structures, TMI group
INSA-Lyon, CNRS UMR5259, http://lamcos. insa-lyon. fr

Context

Lubrication of machine elements represents nowadays important environmental,
economical and technical issues. Minimization of friction losses (environmental and
economical aspects) and film thickness reduction (technical aspect) in lubricated devices lead to new operating conditions and among them the early lubricating film breakdown or the presence of multi phase flow. The work conducted in our group so far showed the interest in developing multi physic models[1]. However the initial numerical approach should be left and a new modeling strategy is to be developed. SKF - Engineering & Research Centre (based in the Netherlands) supports this research activity since the early phase in 2005. In addition of its financial contribution, the company also provides a part time visiting professor.

Subject

We propose to develop a new numerical approach of lubricated contact modeling based on the finite elements method. This approach requires both the coupling between several equations (Reynolds (a simplified form of the fluid dynamics), Elasticity, Energy and those describing the physical behavior of the fluid) and the implementation of efficient numerical methods.

Among the cases to deal with, the coupling between the exit part of a contact (where the fluid film rupture occurs) and the inlet zone of the following contact offers the challenge of the entrainment of a gaseous phase to be modeled. Furthermore, the simultaneous resolution of thin film mechanics and fluid thermodynamics equations could bring supplementary numerical difficulties.

The overall objective is to develop new numerical tools and to obtain qualitative validation from tests performed on in-house devices and conducted in collaboration with our technical staff.

Supervisors

P. Vergne, Directeur de Recherche CNRS, LaMCoS, INSA de Lyon
D. Eyheramendy, Professor, Ecole Centrale de Marseille, Laboratoire de Mécanique et
dAcoustique

Profile

The candidate should have strong elementary formation in mechanical / numerical
engineering with some background in Tribology and Thermodynamics, must be
independent and pro-active in generating ideas and hypotheses. A previous experience in programming numerical methods and algorithms would be appreciated. Good knowledge
and communication skills in the English language are highly desired. The candidate should be graduated at the Master level at the start of the thesis, planed in early October 2008.

Application

An interview of the candidates will be organized at LaMCoS.
Send motivation letter, CV, Master report (if available) and references as soon as possible by email to:
philippe.vergne@ insa-lyon. fr
dominique.eyheramen dy@ec-marseille. fr


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