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Delft University of Technology
Posted Yesterday
PhD Position: Experimental Analysis of Boiling Instabilities in Advanced Nuclear Steam Generators Delft University of Technology in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Mechanical Engineering
Funding
PhD employment for 4 years in two contracts; salary increases from €3204 to €4051 gross per month for a full-time 38-hour week, plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
Deadline
Nov 15, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Delft University of Technology
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About this position
This PhD project at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) focuses on the experimental analysis of boiling instabilities in advanced nuclear steam generators. The research addresses a key challenge for next-generation reactor concepts such as high-temperature gas-cooled reactors and molten salt reactors, where superheated steam generation creates different thermal-hydraulic conditions from conventional light-water reactors.
You will help develop and build a laboratory steam generator setup for helical tubes, then use it to investigate how boiling instabilities behave under transient conditions. The project is centred on understanding oscillations in two-phase flow, pressure drop, and dryout location, and on comparing experimental observations with a numerical model. A major aim is to determine operational limits and better understand the mechanisms that can lead to thermal fatigue in tube walls.
The work is embedded in the Process & Energy department within TU Delft’s Mechanical Engineering faculty, a research environment focused on energy, flow, and processes. You will work with researchers experienced in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics, and also collaborate with colleagues at Reactor Institute Delft. The project combines hands-on experimental development with analysis of complex nuclear thermal-hydraulic phenomena in an international and multidisciplinary setting.
The first year is expected to involve design and construction of the test rig together with technical staff, followed by experimental study of the instability characteristics and comparison with modelling work. The PhD also includes interaction with researchers across TU Delft and with external academic and industry partners.
Funding details
PhD employment for 4 years in two contracts; salary increases from €3204 to €4051 gross per month for a full-time 38-hour week, plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
What's required
Applicants should have ample experience in experimental techniques and in designing experiments involving physical transport phenomena. A relevant MSc degree is expected in chemistry, physics, mechanical engineering, or a similar field. Candidates should have a strong affinity with thermodynamics and transport equations, a keen interest in the nuclear industry and its future role in society, an interest in transient modelling and analysis, good communication skills, and the ability to work as part of a highly multidisciplinary team. English proficiency at the level required by TU Delft Graduate School is required. A knowledge embargo exemption must be applied for after an official offer is made.
How to apply
Apply online via the application button by 2026-11-15. Upload a CV and motivational letter. Address the application to dr. ir. Jurriaan Peeters and do not send applications by email or post.
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Prepare your application
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