Research Associate in Fidelity Modelling and Verification of L-Dew

Background

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 discretised laser beam. Simulations of such complex systems often employ simplifications of the governing physics. One example is to assume that flow is in compressible. A 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 or 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 has recently been developed at The University of Manchester in the Department of Materials.

The purpose of this role is to utilise the higher‑fidelity thermal‑fluid‑dynamics framework to understand the effect of processing parameters on thermocapillary ‘keyhole’ evolution in multi‑component metallic substrates. This will involve running simulations using the code on the university’s high‑performance computing resource and analysing 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, contribute to the maintenance and development of the code and Git Hub repository, and contribute to the general modelling community within the department and wider faculty.

Successful candidates may be required to undertake Baseline Personnel Security Standard checks and potentially undergo Security Clearance. Due to the nature of this clearance, candidates must have sole UK nationality. UoM has an ethnically diverse team of UK nationals.

As this role involves research at a postgraduate level, applicants who are not an EEA national or a national of an exempt country and who will require sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route of the UK Visas and Immigration’s (UKVI) Points‑Based System will be required to apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate and must obtain this prior to making any official visa application.

• Fantastic market‑leading pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services, including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

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.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name:
Dr Tom Flint
Email:

General enquiries:
Email:
People.

Technical support:

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. Any CVs submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

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

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.