Meet ApplyKite Twin, the application assistant that learns with you
Meet your Twin, it learns with you
Your Twin learns with you
Launch week codes:30% off annual Pro20% off monthly Pro
Ends in00h00m00s
Ends in00h00m00s
University of Maine
3 days ago
PhD/Master’s Position in Computational Fluid Dynamics for Oil Jet Impingement Cooling of eVTOL Motors University of Maine in United States
Degree Level
Master's, PhD
Field of study
Heat Transfer
Funding
A graduate research assistantship provides an annual stipend of $31,333.33 for PhD students or $28,000 for Master's students. It includes tuition coverage for up to 9 credits in each fall and spring semester and 6 credits in summer, plus university contributions toward student health and dental insurance. Research operating funds and conference travel may be available subject to approval and funding. The initial appointment is one year, with reappointment dependent on satisfactory performance an
Deadline
Apr 1, 2027
Country
United States
University
University of Maine
Apply for this position
Keywords
Suggested positions
About this position
The University of Maine’s Department of Mechanical Engineering is seeking a graduate research assistant for master’s or doctoral research in computational thermal-fluid science. The project focuses on oil jet impingement cooling for high-density electric motors used in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, where end-winding thermal management is a significant challenge.
The research will advance understanding of flow and heat-transfer mechanisms in oil jet impingement cooling and develop effective cooling strategies for eVTOL motor end-windings. The student will use computational fluid dynamics to model free-surface multiphase flow and heat transfer. Initial studies will examine oil jet impingement on a heated flat plate, with numerical predictions validated against experimental data, before extending the work to representative motor end-winding geometries and evaluating their cooling performance.
The research group has already begun developing a CFD framework for the application. The project offers opportunities to work with multiphase flow, VOF modeling, conjugate heat transfer, numerical validation, and high-performance computing using the University of Maine’s computational resources. The student will conduct research within the Mechanical Engineering department, which offers graduate programs and is housed in the Ferland Engineering Education and Design Center on the Orono campus.
The position is supervised by Kewei Xu, Assistant Professor of Fluids, and is open to international applicants. It provides a research environment centered on computational modeling, thermal management, and engineering applications for advanced electric aircraft propulsion.
Funding details
A graduate research assistantship provides an annual stipend of $31,333.33 for PhD students or $28,000 for Master's students. It includes tuition coverage for up to 9 credits in each fall and spring semester and 6 credits in summer, plus university contributions toward student health and dental insurance. Research operating funds and conference travel may be available subject to approval and funding. The initial appointment is one year, with reappointment dependent on satisfactory performance an
What's required
Applicants must have a BS or MS degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related major and a demonstrated record in thermal-fluid modeling, evidenced by publications, a thesis, or completed research or engineering projects showing their own contributions. Experience in multiphase CFD, especially VOF modeling, is highly desirable; experience with conjugate heat transfer and impingement cooling is preferred. Familiarity with numerical model validation and high-performance computing is advantageous. International applicants requiring English proficiency scores must meet current Graduate School requirements, including TOEFL iBT 82 or 4.5 on the 1–6 scale, IELTS 6.5, PTE Academic 65, or Duolingo English Test 115.
How to apply
Email Dr. Kewei Xu at [email protected] with a CV and cover letter, mention CFD Jobs Database record #20216, and state whether you are applying for the master’s or doctoral program and your earliest available start date. Explain your relevant research contributions and include a brief research plan. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a Zoom interview and selected applicants must complete the University of Maine Graduate School admission process.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.