The Division of Fluid and Experimental Mechanics within the Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics conducts research and teaching in the field of Fluid Mechanics. The Division has via John Field Laboratory access to state-of-the-art measurement methods and large computational resources.
We now offer one postdoctoral scholarship financed by the Kempe Foundation in the subject of Fluid Mechanics with application to hydraulic turbines.
Subject description
Fluid Mechanics comprises the study of flow in porous media, multiphase flow and rheology, linked to industrial production, fluid flow optimisation and design of energy technology applications and magneto hydrodynamics.
Project description
Efficient operation of hydraulic turbines is critical. Over time, the roughness of waterway surfaces in a turbine evolves due to processes like erosion, corrosion, deposition, and cavitation. These changes can significantly affect the safety, performance, and efficiency of the turbines. Therefore, understanding when to renovate waterway components in a turbine is key to preserving optimal performance. However, the characteristics and effects of the roughness typically found in hydraulic turbines are not found in textbooks. The project aims to further understand such flow phenomena and propose automatic countermeasures to operate the turbines in such conditions.
In the project, a test rig to quantify roughness found in hydraulic turbines will be developed and potentially numerical simulations performed. Function of the results, measurements at different facilities in Sweden may be planned to perform experimental measurements.
Qualifications
You have a PhD degree in Fluid Mechanics. A doctoral degree awarded no more than five years before the application deadline provides a useful qualification or will defend your PhD thesis during 2026. A good knowledge of English is mandatory. Knowledge of hydraulic turbines, turbine model testing, prototype testing and vortex flows is a merit.
Our research group consists mostly of men because of that we are happy to see female applicants. Provided that the qualifications are otherwise equal, the underrepresented gender will be given precedence.
Information
The scholarship is fulltime for 9 months and is financed by the Kempe Foundation. Placement in Luleå, Sweden.
For questions concerning the project you are welcome to contact: Professor Michel Cervantes, (+46) 920-49 3014, michel.cervantes@ltu.se
For questions concerning the Division of Fluid and Experimental Mechanics you may contact: Professor Staffan Lundström, (+46) 920-49 2392, staffan.lundstrom@ltu.se
Application
We prefer that you apply for this position by clicking on the apply button below. The application should include a CV, personal letter and copies of verified diplomas from universities. Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish. Mark your application with the reference number below.
Final day to apply: 15 September 2026
Reference number: 4326-2026
Where to apply
https://web103.reachmee.com/ext/I003/583/main?site=5&validator=68a0c61034f021baa4299701b2dc5325&lang=SE&rmpage=apply&rmjob=10482
