Missions

The solar system has many icy moons that are rich in water and likely to harbor a liquid ocean beneath their icy crust. The internal dynamics of these systems remain largely unknown, particularly the main sources of oceanic and heat movements, and
the exchanges between the depths and the surface. Two of the most ambitious planetary missions to come are dedicated to characterizing such worlds: ESA's JUICE, which will study Ganymede, and NASA's Europa Clipper. To prepare for these missions, a better theoretical understanding of the
expected flows is needed. This is the objective of our ANR COLOSSE project (in collaboration with LPG Nantes and IPG Paris), using a dual experimental and numerical approach. As part of this postdoctoral contract, we will address the following fundamental question: considering a density-stratified ocean, what turbulence and mixing rates can be expected from a libration-type forcing (periodic modulation of the rotation rate), an important mechanism in icy moons subject to strong gravitational coupling with their planet and significantly deformed by tides? We will address this question using an experimental model approach.

Activités

The agent will be responsible for: - installing the metrology equipment (PIV and conductivity probe) on the experimental bench already in operation, in
coordination with the laboratory's technical support services; - conducting a systematic measurement campaign of the velocity field and mixing rate for various amplitudes and frequencies of libration of a large-scale topography (i.e., elliptical cylinder); - conducting a systematic measurement campaign of the velocity field and mixing rate for various small-scale topographies (rough surfaces created by
3D printing). The results will be analyzed in collaboration with the postdoctoral research supervisors.

Compétences

The candidate must have solid experience in experimental fluid mechanics, particularly in performing and analyzing
velocimetry (PIV) measurements. No specific knowledge of geophysics is required, but a proven interest in interdisciplinary sciences
is essential.

Contexte de travail

IRPHE, a joint research unit of Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, and École Centrale Marseille, is a multidisciplinary institute. Its research topics
mainly concern fluid mechanics, energy in the broad sense, including combustion and reactive systems, the
physics of fronts and interfaces, the self-organization of non-equilibrium systems, biomechanics and biophysics, rotating flows
, particularly those related to astrophysics and geophysics, interactions between the ocean and the atmosphere, and environmental applications
of turbulence.
The position is in a sector covered by the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST) and therefore, in accordance with regulations, requires
your arrival to be authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.

Le poste se situe dans un secteur relevant de la protection du potentiel scientifique et technique (PPST), et nécessite donc, conformément à la réglementation, que votre arrivée soit autorisée par l'autorité compétente du MESR.