Missions

The use of SAF introduces several specific uncertainties—such as composition in drop-in blends, varying production pathways, and surrogate modeling—that contribute to potential inaccuracies in numerical models. This position aims to quantify these uncertainties and propagate them into simulation results, enabling robust predictions and optimization that account for both modeling uncertainties and SAF variability.

Activités

The work involves developing efficient methods for sampling and constructing a response surface for key quantities of interest to predict result variability due to: (i) uncertainty in defining a surrogate fuel representative of real SAF, (ii) the unknown integration of different SAFs within the same drop-in blend, and (iii) modeling errors.

The initial focus will be on global fuel, spray, and flame properties before progressing to large-eddy simulations of SAF spray flames. This approach will support the robust design and optimization of SAF aeroengine combustors. In particular, determining uncertainties in the reduced chemistry models developed during the project and in spray injection parameters will be crucial.

Compétences

We seek a highly qualified candidate for a postdoctoral fellowship in the area of numerical simulation and modelling of SAF combustion. Experience with uncertainty quantification, surrogate or low-order modelling will be appreciated. The research outcomes will be published in major high-impact international journals.

Contexte de travail

The EM2C laboratory is a CNRS research unit located at CentraleSupélec in Paris-Saclay University. It combines high-level academic research with applied studies in partnership with the largest companies and research centers in the field of transport and energy. The experimental and numerical modeling activities deal with various complex and multiphysics flows, which can involve turbulence, two-phase flow, combustion, and thermo-acoustics. The research interests span from fundamental and theoretical concerns to semi-industrial applications.


The SAFARI project
The SAFARI project aims to advance fundamental knowledge of the multi-physics phenomena involved in the combustion of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and to develop numerical tools for the design of future combustion chambers. Specifically, the main objectives are:

i) To understand the effects of pressure, heat transfer, and fuel composition variability on flame dynamics and pollutant emissions, such as NOx and soot.
ii) To generate a detailed experimental database for validating turbulent combustion models.
iii) To develop and validate an advanced CFD modeling strategy.
iv) To assess the relevance of plasma-assisted combustion for improving flame stabilization and preventing combustion instabilities in lean regimes.

To achieve these objectives, the SAFARI project establishes a strong collaborative framework between EM2C academic researchers and SAFRAN research engineers while recruiting more than a dozen Ph.D. students and postdoctoral researchers.

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.