"DEM+CFD simulation for modeling of complex biological transport processes"

DEM+CFD simulations for modeling of complex biological transport processes

(ref. BAP-2025-284)

Last modified: 14/07/25

We are the Multicellular System Dynamics Lab, a research group focused on understanding the dynamics and mechanical properties of multicellular materials by studying the physical interactions between their components. Our work combines experimental characterization of cell and tissue mechanics with advanced simulations based on innovative particle models. For this purpose, we develop the Mpacts software in collaboration with the company Mpacts (www.mpacts.com), which specializes in simulating granular material behavior for industrial applications using the Discrete Element Method (DEM). As part of the MeBioS research unit, we explore the interactions between biological systems and physical processes, fostering innovation at the intersection of biology and engineering.

Website of the unit

Project

Many processes in biological, industrial, and environmental systems involve the interaction of complex biological materials with flowing fluids. This applies to biological organisms, microfluidic devices, bioreactors, as well as applications in waste management, pharmaceuticals, food technology, and agriculture. While the Discrete Element Method (DEM) has made significant progress in simulating particulate materials—including heterogeneous, flexible, and arbitrarily shaped particles—the interaction of these materials with fluid flows, essential for the design of new devices and industrial installations, remains an ongoing challenge. This is typically addressed with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), but an effective coupling of DEM and CFD models for complex biological materials currently exists only for specific cases.

This PhD project focuses on developing and implementing an efficient and innovative link between CFD (OpenFoam or Palabos) and DEM (in-house software Mpacts) to better represent the interaction between complex biological materials and fluid flow. The main goal is to improve the mechanical and rheological descriptions of transport processes involving biological materials. The project is being conducted in collaboration with the Particulate Dynamics research group and the company Mpacts. This collaboration provides access to advanced simulation tools and expertise in modeling complex particle systems.

Profile

You have a Master's degree in Applied Mathematics, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanics, Bioscience Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. You have experience with software development and knowledge of both theoretical and practical aspects of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and physical modeling techniques. Familiarity with the Discrete Element Method (DEM), coarse-grained molecular dynamics (CG-MD), or various particle-flow coupling methods is a plus.

As a young and ambitious laboratory, we are looking for a motivated and creative candidate who wants to develop their own research vision while also collaborating in a team to push the boundaries of science. You are enthusiastic about learning new programming languages like Python and C++ and building expertise in high-performance computing and advanced computational methods.

You have demonstrated excellence, whether through exceptional academic performance, active participation in extracurricular activities, research achievements, or other indicators of outstanding ability and dedication.

Offer

A four-year PhD position, following a positive evaluation after one year. You are expected to apply for a Baekeland mandate for industry-university collaboration.

You will be part of the doctoral programme of the Arenberg Doctoral School (ADS) of KU Leuven.

Interested?

For more information, please contact Prof. Bart Smeets, tel.: +32 16 32 85 92, email: bart.smeets@kuleuven.be, or Mr. Jiri Pesek, tel.: +32 16 37 35 63, email: jiri.pesek@kuleuven.be.

You can apply for this vacancy until 20/08/2025 via our online application application

KU Leuven strives to be an inclusive, respectful, and socially safe community. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and diverse perspectives are essential in an ambitious research and educational environment. In our pursuit of equal opportunities, we acknowledge the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, among other things, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national origin, skin color, religious beliefs, neurodivergence, disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support services, please contact us at this email address .