PhD Position in Segmented Seal Flow Modelling for Aircraft Engine Applications at Polytechnique Montréal Polytechnique Montréal in Canada

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Polytechnique Montréal is seeking a highly motivated candidate for a PhD position focused on segmented seal flow modelling for aircraft engine applications. Segmented seals are critical components in aircraft engines, designed to control airflow or oil leakage between engine parts while tolerating high temperatures, speeds, shaft vibration, and thermal growth. The project is part of a multi-university research program and aims to develop and validate a fluid dynamics model to predict pressure distribution and leakage flow in the narrow gap between the shaft and seal segment, including any designed air pockets or grooves. This model will be coupled with a dynamics model of the seal segments, developed in parallel by another PhD student, to arrive at a fluid-structure interaction model for seal performance prediction and design optimization.

The position offers opportunities to collaborate with academic and industry partners in aerospace and related sectors. The project is led by Prof. Huu Duc Vo and Prof. Njuki W. Mureithi at Polytechnique Montréal. Although Polytechnique Montréal operates officially in French, thesis work can be carried out in English, and graduate courses can be taken at partner English universities in the Montreal region. Graduate courses taken under previous study programs may be credited to reduce course requirements.

Successful candidates are expected to have knowledge in fluid mechanics, flow modeling, Reynolds equation, and proficiency in CFD codes (e.g., ANSYS) and programming languages (C/C++, Python, MATLAB). Applicants must have a master's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or a relevant discipline, with a strong background in fluid mechanics. All applicants must meet Polytechnique Montréal's graduate admissions requirements. Priority will be given to candidates who are Permanent Residents or Canadian citizens.

Funding includes a financial aid amount of CAD $35,000/year for the PhD candidate. Tuition fee for doctoral studies at Polytechnique Montréal is CAD $3405 per year for all students. The application package requires a cover letter outlining your statement of interest (and any career interruptions), a CV detailing your professional/research experience, and a copy of university transcripts. Email your documents to [email protected].