Saturday, September 20, 2008

PhD vacancy at INSA de Lyon LaMCoS 2009/2010

PhD vacancy at INSA de Lyon LaMCoS
Multi physics & multi phase modeling in lubrication
Host laboratory

LaMCoS - Laboratoire de Mécanique des Contacts et des Structures, TMI group
INSA-Lyon, CNRS UMR5259, http://lamcos.insa-lyon.fr

Context

Lubrication of machine elements represents nowadays important environmental,
economical and technical issues. Minimization of friction losses (environmental and
economical aspects) and film thickness reduction (technical aspect) in lubricated devices
lead to new operating conditions and among them the early lubricating film breakdown or
the presence of multi phase flow.

The work conducted in our group so far showed the
interest in developing multi physic models[1]. However the initial numerical approach
should be left and a new modeling strategy is to be developed. SKF - Engineering &
Research Centre (based in the Netherlands) supports this research activity since the early
phase in 2005. In addition of its financial contribution, the company also provides a part
time visiting professor.

Subject

We propose to develop a new numerical approach of lubricated contact modeling based on
the finite elements method. This approach requires both the coupling between several
equations (Reynolds (a simplified form of the fluid dynamics), Elasticity, Energy and those
describing the physical behavior of the fluid) and the implementation of efficient
numerical methods.

Among the cases to deal with, the coupling between the exit part of a contact (where the
fluid film rupture occurs) and the inlet zone of the following contact offers the challenge
of the entrainment of a gaseous phase to be modeled. Furthermore, the simultaneous
resolution of thin film mechanics and fluid thermodynamics equations could bring
supplementary numerical difficulties.

The overall objective is to develop new numerical tools and to obtain qualitative validation
from tests performed on in-house devices and conducted in collaboration with our
technical staff.

Supervisors

P. Vergne, Directeur de Recherche CNRS, LaMCoS, INSA de Lyon
D. Eyheramendy, Professor, Ecole Centrale de Marseille, Laboratoire de Mécanique et
dAcoustique

Profile

The candidate should have strong elementary formation in mechanical / numerical
engineering with some background in Tribology and Thermodynamics, must be
independent and pro-active in generating ideas and hypotheses. A previous experience in
programming numerical methods and algorithms would be appreciated. Good knowledge
and communication skills in the English language are highly desired. The candidate should
be graduated at the Master level at the start of the thesis, planed in early October 2008.

Application

An interview of the candidates will be organized at LaMCoS.
Send motivation letter, CV, Master report (if available) and references as soon as possible
by email to:
philippe.vergne@insa-lyon.fr
dominique.eyheramendy@ec-marseille.fr