2 FWO doctoral fellowships have been awarded to VKI PhD students

Tom De Bruyn and Domenico Fiorini

We are pleased to announce that two Doctoral (PhD) Grant Strategic Basic Research have been awarded for 2 years by the FWO to PhD candidates enrolled in the VKI PhD programme, Tom de Bruyn and Domenico Fiorini.

The Doctoral (PhD) Grant Strategic Basic Research awarded by FWO (Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek - Vlaanderen) allows young researchers to develop into strategically thinking and innovation-oriented scientists. Strategic basic research in the context of a PhD grant stands for challenging and innovative research (at PhD level), which, if successful, may in the longer term lead to innovative applications with economic added value (for specific companies, for a collective of companies, or a sector, or in line with the VRWI transition areas.

Tom de Bruyn (VKI / UGENT)

PhD Subject: Aero-elastic tailoring of composite turbomachinery blades through gradient-based optimization

Abstract: In order to increase the efficiency of gas turbine engines, new designs feature very high by-pass ratio's and highly optimized fan geometries, which are made possible by advanced production techniques. To further unlock their potential, the VKI's turbomachinery optimization framwork 'CADO' is extended to consider the flutter constraints limiting the stable operating range and to optimize the fiber distribution in composite blades.

Domenico Fiorini (VKI / KULeuven)

PhD Subject: Gas-Liquid Interface Dynamics in Non-Isothermal Sloshing: Experimental Analysis and Simplified Modeling

Abstract: Advancements in space exploration are achieved by improvements in the Guidance Navigation Systems. Rocket upper stages and satellites need continuous corrections of their trajectory because of the motion of the propellants inside the tanks (i.e. sloshing). Indeed, to accurately predict this motion, the models require knowledge of the physical behavior of the three-phase contact line. In this framework, the project aims to scientifically address the open gaps in the literature concerning experiments of accelerating contact lines with phase change dependence on the liquid interface-wall interaction.