Research Fellow in Numerical Modelling Using DEM-CFD and Molecular Dynamics

Funded by EPSRC and in collaboration with world-leading experts at the Universities of Birmingham and Swansea, we are recruiting a full-time postdoctoral research fellow to work on multiscale modelling of dispersion and dissolution of hydrocolloids in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the University of Surrey. The position holder will work with an internationally renowned supervisory team with expertise in theoretical, computational and experimental methods for complex multiphase fluids and granular materials at the universities of Surrey, Birmingham and Swansea.

Hydrocolloids (HCs) are functional ingredients widely used for modifying the rheology, texture, microstructure, water activity, shelf life, release property and organoleptic properties of foods, pharmaceuticals, and fine chemicals. Effective dispersion and hydration of hydrocolloids are critical process steps for achieving the desired rested states and functionality. However, complex dynamic processes are involved during hydrocolloid hydration including wetting, swelling, dispersion and dissolution. A thorough understanding of the physicochemical interactions of HCs with solvents and the dispersion process at a multiscale is hence essential. The goal of the collaborative project is to develop advanced modelling techniques for a wide range of HC particles so that dispersion of HCs can be optimised to promote rapid dissolution in order to avoid the formation of slowly dissolving aggregates.

The research fellow is expected to work closely with other researchers and collaborators on this project to model the hydration behaviour and kinematics of HC particles in a controlled hydrodynamic field using DEM coupled with CFD or SPH (DEM-CFD or DEM-SPH), or other numerical techniques, that accounts for the wetting, swelling, rupture, gelation and particle-particle interactions of hydrated HC particles including aggregation. This also involves validation of the developed numerical models using the experimental data provided by collaborators or reported in literature. In addition, the PDRF will also develop numerical models to predict the time evolution of the size distribution of hydrated/swollen/ruptured HC particles in typical dispersion and mixing processes relevant to industrial applications. Specific activities may involve but not limited to

1. Adapt an in-house coupled discrete element method with computational fluid dynamics (DEM-CFD) or DEM-SPH code by incorporating hydration contact models;
2. Validate the modified hybrid code with experimental data;
3. Model dispersion of hydrocolloids using the developed hybrid models, including sensitivity analysis and optimisation;
4. Perform data analysis, wite technical report and papers, disseminate research outcome at national and international conferences;
5. Supervise postgraduate and undergraduate research projects;

About you

The post holder must have a strong numerical background with proficient computer programming skills (E), a good track record in research publication and code development (E), some experience in developing DEM, DEM-CFD or similar models, such as DEM-SPH (E), and a good knowledge of high performance computing techniques (D). It is also expected that the PDRF has a high level of research ability and independence, and team-working skills to interact with other researchers, industry and the international academic partners (E). Previous experience in the development and application of numerical models in particle dispersion will be desirable but not essential.

How to apply

Please make your application online, on the university website by clicking the 'Apply' button above. Please submit a CV and cover letter with your application.

For informal enquiry contact Prof. Charley Wu (c.y.wu@Surrey.ac.uk).

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