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18-months post-doctoral position: RANS–Lagrangian modelling of turbulent dispersion and rotational dynamics of fibres suspended in air
Type of contract: CDDCompany name: INRS - Université de Lorraine / Nancy
Position: Post-doctoral position
About the position: Airborne fibres constitute a category of pollutant aerosol with major health implications, particularly in workplaces (asbestos, refractory ceramic fibres, nanotubes). These fibres display a specific translational and rotational dynamics owing to their elongated morphology. An INRS /Université de Lorraine programme is developing a Euler–Lagrange CFD model to predict these particular behaviours and improve the prevention of exposure. Following validation of the transport (translation–rotation) in laminar flows, an 18-month post-doctoral position aims to extend this model to turbulent flows, with or without wall deposition. The challenge is to move from a DNS approach to a RANS–Lagrangian approach incorporating turbulent dispersion. The scientific bottleneck lies in reconstructing the local fluid quantities seen by the fibres, which are required for their rotational dynamics but are not accessible in classical RANS. The work will consist of developing an original closure compatible with industrial CFD, validated by comparison with DNS and the literature. A comparison with spheres of equivalent aerodynamic diameter will illustrate the limitations of the spherical approximation on test cases (ventilated enclosures, straight and bent ducts). Candidate profile: The ideal candidate will hold a doctorate in computational fluid mechanics or aerosol physics. They will need to demonstrate expertise in multiphase CFD modelling and Lagrangian approaches, ideally for non-spherical particles. Proficiency in RANS models and turbulent dispersion methods (Langevin) will be essential. This position will suit a candidate wishing to work at the interface between turbulence, stochastic Lagrangian modelling and the dynamics of anisotropic particles. A sensitivity to turbulent closures for the fluid quantities seen by particles, and to the rotational dynamics of fibres, will be appreciated. Skills in code development and validation, as well as in comparative analysis, are required. Experience in particle–wall interactions or deposition will be an asset. 18-month position for independent researchers. Position open from the date of publication of the advertisement (July 2026). Location: Nancy, France (Université de Lorraine and INRS)
Contact: Emmanuel Belut, Senior Researcher INRS