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KU Leuven

DEM+CFD simulation for modeling of complex biological transport processes

2025-03-03 (Europe/Brussels)
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About the employer

KU Leuven is an autonomous university. It was founded in 1425. It was born of and has grown within the Catholic tradition.

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We are the Particulate Dynamics Lab, a research group dedicated to understanding the dynamics and mechanical properties of multicellular materials through the study of physical interactions between their components. Our work combines experimental characterization of cell and tissue mechanics with cutting-edge simulations using advanced particle-based computational models. For this, we are developing the Mpacts software suite in collaboration with the company Mpacts (www.mpacts.com), which specializes in simulating granular flows for industrial applications using the Discrete Element Method (DEM). As part of the MeBioS research unit, we focus on exploring the interactions between biological systems and physical processes, driving innovation at the intersection of biology and engineering.
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Project

Many processes across biological, industrial, and environmental systems involve the interaction of complex biological materials with fluid flow. These include biological organisms, fluidic devices, bioreactors, as well as applications in waste management, pharmaceuticals, food technology, and agriculture. While the Discrete Element Method (DEM) has significantly advanced in simulating particulate materials, including heterogeneous, flexible, and arbitrarily shaped particles, the interaction of these materials with fluid flows—essential for designing new devices and industrial setups—remains an ongoing challenge. This is typically addressed using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), but effective coupling of DEM and CFD models for complex biological materials only exists for specific cases.

This PhD project will focus on developing an efficient and novel coupling between CFD and DEM to better represent the interaction between complex biological materials and fluid flow. The main goal is to enhance the mechanical and rheological descriptions of transport processes involving biological materials. The project will be conducted in collaboration with the Particulate Dynamics Research Group and the Mpacts company. This partnership will provide access to state-of-the-art simulation tools and expertise in modeling complex particulate systems.

Profile

You hold a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Bioscience Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. You have experience in software development, engineering with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and physical modeling techniques. Familiarity with the Discrete Element Method (DEM) is a plus. As a young and ambitious lab, we are seeking a motivated and creative candidate who is eager to pursue their own research vision while collaborating within a team to push the boundaries of science. You are enthusiastic about learning new programming languages such as Python and C++, as well as gaining expertise in high-performance computing and state-of-the-art computational methods. You have demonstrated excellence, whether through exceptional academic performance, active participation in extracurricular activities, early research achievements, or other indicators of outstanding capability and dedication.

Offer

A research position of 4 years, pending a positive evaluation after one year. You are expected to apply for Flemish Baekeland funding for joint projects between academia and industry.

You will enroll in the doctoral programme of the Arenberg Doctoral School (ADS) of KU Leuven.

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Bart Smeets, tel.: +32 16 32 85 92, mail: bart.smeets@kuleuven.be.

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.

Job details

Title
DEM+CFD simulation for modeling of complex biological transport processes
Employer
Location
Oude Markt 13 Leuven, Belgium
Published
2024-12-20
Application deadline
2025-03-03 23:59 (Europe/Brussels)
2025-03-03 23:59 (CET)
Job type
PhD
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About the employer

KU Leuven is an autonomous university. It was founded in 1425. It was born of and has grown within the Catholic tradition.

Visit the employer page