PhD studentship at Ecole Polytechnique, FR: Electromagnetically-launched strong shocks relevant for accretion shocks in astrophysics

Posted by on 13 February 2013 Comments Off on PhD studentship at Ecole Polytechnique, FR: Electromagnetically-launched strong shocks relevant for accretion shocks in astrophysics

Length: 3 year studentship
Funded by: Plas@Par excellence laboratory – University Pierre & Marie Curie, Paris
Maintenance grant: €1,700 per month (http://plasapar.upmc.fr/?page_id=544)
Supervised by: Dr Jean Larour, Dr Chantal Stehlé
The proposed enrolment date is 1st October 2013
The deadline for application is 15th May 2013.

Details of proposed research

Strong shocks are present in astrophysics, from stellar infancy (matter accretion from stellar disk to the young star, ejection in plasma jets) to supernovae explosion. Topology and dynamics are complex: roles of radiation, NLTE cooling or B-field. It is crucial to study such hypersonic shocks (Mach number>20) in the laboratory and to compare with simulation. So far, studies are done on large lasers, addressing pure hydro-radiative shocks (50-150km/s, 0.1-1bar). The project extends the class of shocks in radiative regime, at lower velocities, using a flexible and repetitive setup.

The PhD student will first perform experiments on a versatile kJ-class generator launching quasi-planar shocks up to 20km/s in low density gas. The setup is currently upgraded to get higher velocities, allowing to study various regimes of shock waves, depending on the gas, pressure and external B-field. The main task will be to design, to implement and to exploit a comprehensive suite of diagnostics of the shock plasma, the data being used to build a model and to benchmark 2-D or 3-D codes. These shocks will be used to prepare new diagnostics in view of foreseen experiments on laser-driven shocks.

Successful applicants must hold a Master of science in engineering, physics, astrophysics or equivalent. A previous experimental experience, in data acquisition or computer simulation is a merit, as a high evel in french or english. Please send your CVs to Dr Jean Larour (jean.larour(at)lpp.polytechnique.fr) and Chantal Stehlé (chantal.stehle(at)obspm.fr)

PDF version: PhD studentship at Ecole Polytechnique

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Jean LAROUR
Laboratoire de Physique des Plasmas LPP
Ecole polytechnique 91128 Palaiseau
tel 33(0)169 33 59 54 fax 33(0169 33 59 06
jean.larour(at)lpp.polytechnique.fr
http://www.lpp.fr

Research Engineer/Project Manager Position at Georgia Tech, USA

Posted by on 13 February 2013 Comments Off on Research Engineer/Project Manager Position at Georgia Tech, USA

One research engineer/project manager position is available starting from February 2013 in the Atomistic Simulation & Energy (A.S.E.) research group at Georgia Tech. The primary function for this position is to lead the construction and testing of two lab scale prototype high temperature liquid metal loops for a concentrated solar application. One liquid metal loop will be tested in a solar simulator, while the second test loop will involve thermochemical reactors designed for water splitting/hydrogen production. The idea (see Fig. 1 on page 2) is to capture highly concentrated sunlight (> 5 MW/m2) at high temperature > 1300°C in the sensible heat of a liquid metal heat transfer fluid (i.e. tin). The sensible heat can be later used for direct power generation or thermochemical fuel production (water splitting) as a new route to clean, renewable and dispatchable utility scale electricity generation.

More details here: Open Positions – Research Engineer

Please send a CV, representative publications, a short one paragraph description of career goals and why you’re interested in this project, as well as contact information for three references to Asegun Henry (ase(at)gatech.edu). Review of applications will start immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

______

Asegun Henry, Ph. D.
Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering
Georgia Institute of Technology
495 Tech Way, CNES Bldg, Rm 223
Atlanta, GA 30332
Office Phone: 404-894-7514
ase(at)gatech.edu
http://www.me.gatech.edu/faculty/henry-a

Two postdoctoral positions in Astrophysical Fluids in the Applied Mathematics Department, University of Leeds, UK

Posted by on 25 January 2013 Comments Off on Two postdoctoral positions in Astrophysical Fluids in the Applied Mathematics Department, University of Leeds, UK

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(from David Hughes, Leeds, UK)

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Faculty of Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Leeds

School of Mathematics
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Research Fellow 1

Project Title: Dynamos in Giant Planets and Rapidly Rotating Stars

Fixed term until 31 March 2016

Applications are invited for a research fellowship funded by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). The project will investigate the convectively driven dynamos of the Giant Planets and of Rapidly Rotating Stars. In particular we shall investigate the dynamics of convection and its interaction with rotation; and how the dynamo properties change as the level of turbulence is increased. You will work in close contact with the investigators Professors Steven Tobias, Chris Jones and David Hughes in the Department of Applied Mathematics.

A PhD (or PhD submitted) in the relevant discipline, e.g.
Computational Fluid Dynamics, Applied Mathematics, Planetary Science, Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics or Astrophysical Fluids with computational experience is essential. You will also have experience in Dynamo theory and good organisational skills. Applications from women, who are currently under-represented in this area, will be particularly welcome; however, the final recruitment decision will be based solely on merit.

Informal enquiries may be made to Professor Steven Tobias,
tel +44 (0)113 343 5172,
email smt(at)maths.leeds.ac.uk

or

Professor Chris Jones,
tel +44 (0)113 343 5107,
email cajones(at)maths.leeds.ac.uk.

Closing Date: 1 February 2013

Interviews are expected to be held 26 February 2013

For more information go to

http://jobs.leeds.ac.uk

and search for reference MAPMA0042

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Research Fellow 2

Project Title: Hall Magnetohydrodynamics in Neutron Stars

Fixed term until 31 March 2016

Applications are invited for a research fellowship funded by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). The project will investigate Hall MHD in neutron stars. In particular we shall develop three-dimensional numerical models of the evolution of crustal magnetic fields under the influence of the Hall effect, including realistic density and conductivity profiles. Coupling between the magnetic field and the temperature will also be included. You will work in close contact with the principal investigator (PI) Professor Rainer Hollerbach in the Department of Applied Mathematics.

A PhD (or PhD submitted) in the relevant discipline, e.g. Computational Fluid Dynamics, Applied Mathematics, Planetary Science or Astrophysical Fluids with computational experience or Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics is essential. You will also have experience in Dynamo theory and good organisational skills.

Applications from women, who are currently under-represented in this area, will be particularly welcome; however, the final recruitment decision will be based solely on merit.

Informal enquiries may be made to Professor Rainer Hollerbach, email rh(at)maths.leeds.ac.uk

Closing Date: 1 February 2013

Interviews are expected to be held 26 February 2013

For more information go to

http://jobs.leeds.ac.uk

and search for reference MAPMA0043

Postdoctoral Fellow Vacancy at Dept of Earth Sciences, ETH Zurich

Posted by on 24 January 2013 Comments Off on Postdoctoral Fellow Vacancy at Dept of Earth Sciences, ETH Zurich

The Earth and Planetary Magnetism Group have a vacancy within their experimental fluid mechanics and MHD laboratory. We seek a motivated scientist with an interest in participating in ongoing experiments, and in developing research interests of their own. Present facilities include a water laboratory and the ability to perform liquid metal experiments.

Experiments are aimed at understanding the rapidly rotating regime of Earth’s core dynamics, in the presence of magnetic fields. Future experiments will include current-driven flows (Dean flow) in both non-rotating and rapidly-rotating regimes.

Details of work can be found at http://www.epm.ethz.ch/mfece.

The position is nominally for 2 years, with a possibility of subsequent renewal subject to funding constraints.
ETH Zurich offers excellent work conditions at the heart of Europe. Interested candidates should send a CV (including publication list), a statement of research interests and the names of 3 referees to Andrew Jackson

    ajackson(at)ethz.ch

.

Andrew Jackson

ETH Zürich
Institut für Geophysik
Sonneggstrasse 5
CH-8092 Zürich
Switzerland

Post doc position (at University Paris-Saclay, interlabex project): Fundamental Dynamo mechanisms: from VKS experiment to stellar magnetism

Posted by on 10 January 2013 Comments Off on Post doc position (at University Paris-Saclay, interlabex project): Fundamental Dynamo mechanisms: from VKS experiment to stellar magnetism

The von Karman Sodium (VKS) experiment is one of the three sodium laboratory experiments that have observed dynamo action. Moreover, when a small rotation is imparted to the experiment, a variety of dynamical regimes are observed, ranging from reversals, to oscillations or chaotic behaviours, following a universal scaling law comparable to cosmic field regimes. This makes VKS a unique tool to understand the origin of this scaling law, and the dynamo mechanism involved.

However, the detailed way of how these mechanisms work in the VKS dynamo is still subject to controversy. We propose to share a post doc between 3 teams of different labex, to tackle this problem through dedicated numerical simulations and data analysis. The results will be used to improve the models currently used for modelling of astrophysical magnetic fields.

Further Information: Postdoc Description (pdf)

Dates:

  • — beginning in June-July 2013 (negotiable)
  • — duration = 1 year (+1 year extension)

Please contact

Caroline Nore
Professeur à l’Université Paris Sud 11,
Membre de l’Institut Universitaire de France LIMSI-CNRS, batiment 508,
BP 133 91403 ORSAY cedex
tél: 01 69 85 80 90/
fax: 01 69 85 80 88
http://www.limsi.fr/Individu/nore
http://www.masterpam.u-psud.fr/