Digital twin of spray applications in orchards with computational fluid dynamics

☞ KU Leuven

전망: 135

갱신일: 26-11-2025

위치: Leuven Flemish Brabant

범주: IT-소프트웨어 IT-하드웨어 / 네트워킹 정보 기술

산업:

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작업 내용

The postharvest lab of Prof. Nicolai and Dr. Pieter Verboven consists of a team of young, dynamic and enthousiastic researchers that investigate processes and technology for improving quality of fruit and vegetables. We offer a stimulating work environment for those who are interested in scientific research on the verge of fundamental and applied research, with a high relevance to making a more sustainable world. KU Leuven is a world-class university that is ranked 42 on the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

Project

The PhD project aims to investigate how precision spraying technology in the growing area of pear cultivation in Flanders (more than 10,000 ha, more than 800 growers) can contribute to the objective of a 50% reduction in the use and impact of plant protection products in orchards by 2030. Both technical and cultivation aspects are covered in this project.

The distribution and drift of sprays are increasingly studied with mathematical models and computer simulations, which are an essential complement to laboratory and field tests. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a powerful modeling technique for computing these complex three-dimensional fluid problems. With CFD, the air flow and the spread and deposition of the spray mist in orchards can be simulated in a very realistic way on a computer. The CFD model can be used to evaluate the performance and design of the spray application to arrive at increased spray efficiency and reduced drift potential. Eventually a software tool can be developed that provides interpolated results based on a drift database generated by CFD simulations, data analysis programs and condition inputs through graphical user interfaces. Such a simulation tool enables the users to estimate the target deposition, spray drift and soil losses of pesticides in order to avoid possible risks of spray drift.

Significant gains are expected to be made in spraying by taking into account crop position and height and their variation as a function of orchard location, as well as changes during the growing season. The work plan is thus largely focused on evaluating precision techniques that take variable and changing tree characteristics into account. To this end, the variation in the crop density of the cultivation systems is mapped specific to cultivation and plot at different times by means of. LiDAR and alternative low-cost techniques. We are also looking for solutions that can create (dynamic) crop maps on a moving platform. The tree models will be built into an existing CFD-based orchard spray calculation tool, so that the distribution and deposition of sprays in different orchard types and growth stages can be calculated via computer simulations. The different measures and techniques will be tested for different scenarios (including wind, cultivation system, crop position, type of orchard sprayer and nozzle) for their effect on vertical and horizontal spray distribution in the orchard, losses to the soil and spray drift). The smart combination of simulations with practical tests and an increased knowledge of the effect of spraying technology and crop aspects will enable the most promising options to be selected efficiently. This is done by comparing techniques and scenarios (looking for boundaries where the technique/application still just works) and calculating the balance between deposition, distribution, soil losses and amount of drift. These techniques and measures are tested and demonstrated in practice, including ensuring biological efficiency, and their costs and benefits are analysed. Finally, all knowledge and results will be put into practice through a number of initiatives towards implementation. Central is an evaluation tool that, based on the calculations, will allow growers to estimate the impact of the measures and techniques for their applications. A ready-to-use application will be made available that informs the grower about the effectiveness and environmental risks of a particular spray application via a simple selection menu (cultivation system, crop stage, spraying technique, weather conditions).

Profile

The lab is looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate who is eager to become part of a highly visible international interdisciplinary team to perform cutting-edge research. You have a critical mind and you have good affinity with advanced image analysis, computer modelling and simulation. You are required to have a Master degree (or equivalent) in (bioscience) engineering, physics or mathematics, with a distinction grade.

Offer

The lab offers you a 4 year PhD position. The lab will support you in all aspects in order to successfully obtain a PhD degree and a proper scientific training. You will be given opportunities to participate at national and international meetings and collaborate with experts in the field. Leuven is a small city in the heart of Europe close to Brussels with a rich historic background. WitThe lab is looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate who is eager to become part of a highly visible international interdisciplinary team to perform cutting-edge research. You have a critical mind and you have good affinity with advanced image analysis, computer modelling and simulation. You are required to have a Master degree (or equivalent) in (bioscience) engineering, physics or mathematics.h more than 40 000 students it provides a vibrant environment for both research and living.



Interested?

For more information please contact Dr. ir. Pieter Verboven, tel.: +32 16 32 14 53, mail: pieter.verboven@kuleuven.be or Prof. dr. ir. Bart Nicolai, tel.: +32 16 32 23 75, mail: bart.nicolai@kuleuven.be.
You can apply for this job no later than July 28, 2023 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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마감 시간: 10-01-2026

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