CIFRE-PhD Numerical modeling of fire dynamics and flame-wall interaction for decarbonized propulsion
// Role Summary
Airbus is seeking a PhD candidate to advance numerical combustion methods for material fireproofness, focusing on Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and contributing to decarbonization efforts. This role involves enhancing simulation solvers and bridging academic research with industrial applications.
// Key Responsibilities
- Advance numerical combustion methods for material fireproofness with SAF.
- Enhance the AVBP solver focusing on multi-phase injection, flame-wall interaction, and aerothermal/radiative coupling.
- Utilize Large Eddy Simulation (LES) and advanced combustion models.
- Bridge high-fidelity scientific methodology with industrial application through academic and operational axes.
- Collaborate within an international research environment with academic supervision from CERFACS.
- Requires Master's in Fluid Mechanics/Combustion or Engineering degree, and strong CFD/programming skills.
// Role Specification
About the Role:
Airbus is looking for a talented PhD candidate to contribute to the critical challenge of assessing the fire resistance of materials using new fuels, a key aspect of decarbonization efforts in aviation. This position offers a unique opportunity to push the boundaries of numerical simulation, specifically focusing on predicting heat fluxes on walls through the application of advanced combustion models and Large Eddy Simulation (LES).
Your Mission:
You will play a vital role in enhancing the AVBP solver, with a focus on critical areas such as fuel multi-phase injection, flame-wall interaction, and aerothermal/radiative coupling. Your work will be integral to developing predictive engineering tools from academic concepts, contributing to both Research & Technology (R&T) and ongoing aircraft programs.
Key Responsibilities:
The research is structured into two main axes:
- Academic Axis: Establishing high-fidelity LES modeling for complex fire topologies, including Pool Fires (flame stabilization, evaporation, thermal aggression), Spray Fires (atomization, evaporation, SAF properties), and Hybrid & Complex Fires (interaction scenarios, turbulence modeling, coupling combustion and thermal/radiative codes).
- Operational Axis: Transitioning LES methodology into a predictive engineering tool by conducting bibliographic reviews, calibrating LES parameters using academic benchmarks, validating models with experimental data from test benches, and performing high-fidelity simulations in realistic engine compartment geometries.
Your Profile:
- Master's degree in Fluid Mechanics/Combustion or an Engineering degree.
- Proficiency in unsteady CFD simulation, numerical methods, and turbulence modeling.
- Strong programming skills (Python/scientific computing).
- Knowledge of combustion theory, pre/post-processing tools, or aeronautics is a plus.
- Advanced English language skills.
- Collaborative, curious, perseverant, and customer-oriented soft skills.
What We Offer:
Join a multidisciplinary team in Toulouse, a vibrant hub for aeronautics and space research. Airbus offers competitive financial rewards, excellent work-life balance initiatives, comprehensive wellbeing and health coverage, and extensive individual development opportunities with access to over 10,000 e-learning courses, certifications, and mobility options.
If you are driven by technical challenges and passionate about the future of aviation, we encourage you to apply.