High-resolution modelling of high-concentrated sediment transport

☞ KU Leuven

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Update day: 26-11-2025

Location: Leuven Flemish Brabant

Category: IT - Software IT - Hardware / Networking Information Technology Transport / Logistics / Warehouse

Industry: Onderwijs

Job type: Voltijds

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Job content

In the framework of the recently awarded FWO (Fund for Scientific Research, Flanders) project G084922N ”Quantification of hydrodynamic energy losses by particle transport in the inner boundary layer of suspension flows with high particle concentrations” (2022-2025), the Hydraulics & Geotechnics Section of the KU Leuven Department of Civil Engineering is offering a full-time PhD position for 4 years (contract to be renewed annually after evaluation). The Sediment Mechanics Research Group has gained an international reputation in its ground-breaking theoretical and numerical work that has led to the development of several new physics-based process models for implementation in engineering software for hydraulics, sedimentology and geomorphodynamics. This project is aimed at contributing to the completion of the theoretical research of the promoter over the past 25 years.

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Project
The main task of the PhD project will be the improvement of the prediction of sediment transport in the inner boundary layer of currents and waves by developing a new low-Reynolds number turbulence model for high-concentrated suspensions. The development will be implemented and tested first in an in-house developed 1DV Matlab code and subsequently in Mixt3SedFOAM - Ouda M., Toorman E.A. (2019). Development of a new multiphase sediment transport model for free surface flows. Int. J. of Multiphase Flow, 117(8): 81-102 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmultiphaseflow.2019.04.023 - an in-house developed 3D sediment transport model with free surface motion, solving the motion of the three phases sediment, water and air.
You will be collaborating with another PhD student in the same project, who will focus on the upscaling of the high-resolution results to large-scale engineering models for morphodynamic studies in estuaries and coastal areas in 3D with low vertical resolution (for the sake of computational time) and also in depth-averaged (2DH) models. The latter work will be carried out in TELEMAC modelling system (www.openTELEMAC.org).
You will both run the same testcases with each model and find solutions for the upscaling and downscaling of model results, including for the conversion of wave-resolving simulations in OpenFOAM to spectral wave modelling in TELEMAC-TOMAWAC.
You will also be collaborating with a 2nd PhD students who is adapting Mixt3SedFOAM from non-cohesive (sand) to cohesive sediments (mud) in the framework of another FWO project running in parallel.
Validation will be done with data available in the literature.
Profile
Candidates should be holding a MSc degree in a relevant Engineering discipline (or equivalent), with demonstrated experience in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in hydraulic or morphodynamic applications in estuarine and coastal environments.. Proven experience in scientific programming of numerical methods (the finite volume method in particular) is a strong asset. Please submit any thesis, report or other publication demonstrating your experience in numerical modelling of (complex) fluid flow problems. Specific experience in the modelling of hydrodynamics (turbulence, waves) and sediment transport is an asset. Experience of modelling in OpenFOAM and the VOF method is an additional asset.
Before you apply, it is recommended to study the journal publication by Ouda & Toorman (2019).
The candidate is expected to be creative, being able to carry out research investigation independently, and willing to work in a multidisciplinary team. He/she should be proficient in English, have excellent scientific writing, planning and communication skills, and be an enthusiastic team player.
Offer
We offer an open, stimulating and multi-disciplinary research environment. Duration of the contract: 1 year, with yearly extension to maximum 4 years, after yearly evaluation. The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the general rules at Leuven University.
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Erik Toorman, tel.: +32 16 32 16 59, mail: erik.toorman@kuleuven.be.

You can apply for this job no later than February 07, 2022 via the online application tool

KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at diversiteit.HR@kuleuven.be.
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Deadline: 10-01-2026

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