PhD ‘Active Control of Thermo-acoustic instabilities’(V35.410) at Dynamics and Control Department of Mechanical Engineering In the section Dynamics and Control of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, research is focused on the sub-areas nonlinear dynamics and control, acoustics; active noise control, structural optimization and vehicle dynamics. The goal of the project titled ‘Suppression of thermo-acoustic instabilities in central heating equipment by burner design optimization and active control’ is to suppress acoustic instabilities in boilers with complex burner deck configurations by means of design-stage (passive) and active model-based control strategies. This project, sponsored by STW, is a joint project of the groups Dynamics and Control and Combustion Technology with 2 PhD positions (one at each of the groups). The 2 PhD students will work in close cooperation.
Tasks The PhD project at the section Dynamics and Control of the Department of Mechanical Engineering focuses on two main aspects. Firstly, an acoustic model of the boiler should be built and validated with experimentally determined transfer functions. This model will be used to analyze the acoustic stability/instability regions of the burner+boiler system. Secondly, a model-based controller with time-delay should be developed that is robust for modeling uncertainties and changes in operating conditions.
Requirements Within this project, we are looking for a candidate with a MSc-degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical or Control Engineering with an interest to work in an interdisciplinary project such as ‘Active Control of Thermoacoustic instabilities’. He/she should have a strong interest in (thermo)acoustics and control theory. The candidate should have excellent communication skills in English and an attitude to collaborate in a cooperative project such as the ‘Active Control of Thermo-acoustic instabilities’ project.
Appointment and Salary
a challenging job in a dynamic and ambitious university. a full-time employment for 4 years, with an intermediate evaluation after 1 year. Gross monthly salaries are in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement of the Dutch Universities (CAO NU ), increasing from € 2000 per month initially, to € 2558 in the fourth year. Moreover, 8% holiday allowance is provided annually. assistance for finding accommodation can be given. support with your personal development and career planning. attractive secondary labor conditions (including excellent work facilities, child care, end of the year allowance and excellent sport facilities).
Information If you would like to have more information on the position, please contact Dr. I. Lopez and Prof.dr. H. Nijmeijer (
[email protected], +31 40 2472611) M.A.J. Hurkmans, Personnel Department, tel.: +31 (0)40 2474163, email:
[email protected] Visit www.dct.tue.nl for more information about the group Dynamics and Control;
Application Please send your written application with extended curriculum vitae to: ir. A.W.J. Bruekers (email:
[email protected]), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513 , 5600MB Eindhoven , The Netherlands, mentioning vacancy number 35.410.
