Free Education for PhD-positions at Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway

2 PhD-Positions at the Department of Energy and Process Engineering “Flow Distribution and Instabilities in Multi-Channel Heat Exchangers”

Two PhD research fellowships on “Flow distribution and instabilities in Multi-Channel Heat Exchangers” are available at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Department of Energy and Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Science and Technology. The fellowships are within a project financed by Statoil-Hydro and the Gas Technology Center SINTEF-NTNU (Flow mal-distribution and thermo-hydraulic flow instabilities).


The objective of the current project is to improve fundamental understanding and prediction capabilities of cryogenic thermo-hydraulic flow instabilities and flow mal-distribution phenomena related to LNG process units. The main goal of this PhD is to perform analytical and experimental investigation of flow instabilities observed in two-phase flow through parallel interacting channels in heat exchangers. A strong modeling-experimental- simulation activity coupling is intended in the PhD projects. The development of analytical models to describe and analyze the detailed physics of flow mal-distribution in multi-channel heat exchangers is expected. One and two-dimensional models should be considered. These models will require empirical data as closure relations. Therefore, an experimental facility capable of providing such data and model validation will be designed and constructed.

PhD candidates are expected to hold a master`s level degree in a subject relevant for the PhD project and to have a good combination of knowledge and skills in the following areas: Experimental research, thermo-hydraulics, heat transfer and fluid flow, mathematical modeling, scientific computing, and programming.

Each PhD scholarship is limited to 3 years without duties. It is required that the person employed satisfies the requirements for PhD students, participates in the course program of the PhD studies, and finishes the PhD degree within 3 years.

Further information about the positions may be obtained from

1. Associate Professor Carlos A. Dorao (carlos.dorao@ntnu.no),
2. Associate Professor Maria Fernandino (maria.fernandino@ntnu.no),
3. Professor II Jostein Pettersen (jospet@StatoilHydro.com).


Conditions of appointment: PhD students follow code 1017, grade 43 – 47, gross NOK 325 600 to NOK 348 900 per year (before tax). PhD students are normally remunerated at wage level 43. There will be a 2 % deduction to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund from gross salary.

Engagement as a PhD candidate is done in accordance with current appointment regulations with supplementary rules in force giving guidelines for scholarship appointments in universities and university colleges. The goal of each of the announced positions is to obtain a PhD degree. Applicants are obliged to engage in an organized PhD training program, and appointment requires approval of the applicant`s plan for a PhD study within three months from the date of commencement. A contract of employment will be set up for the engagement period regulating the rights and duties of the PhD student.

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants.

The positions adhere to the Norwegian Government`s policy of balanced ethnicity, age and gender. Persons with immigrant background and women are encouraged to apply.

The application must contain information of educational background and work experience. Copies of transcripts and reference letters should be enclosed.

An application inclusive CV, grade transcripts and other enclosures should be sent electronically through http://www.jobbnorge.no, ref.no. IVT-27/08. Preferably, we want the attachments in one file.

Application deadline: 18 May 2008