PhD project – Flow-induced vibrations in high-precision water circuits

ASML Photolithography machines play a central role in the production of ever smaller and faster microchips and represent high-precision systems of enormous complexity. Water cooling is often required in sensitive modules of these machines to maintain strict thermal requirements. However, a negative consequence of this is that pressure disturbances in these water circuits can generate undesirable forces on the structure. These pressure disturbances may be flow induced, from circuit components and pumps, for example, but may also arise from vibrations of the structure leading to acoustic cross-talk between locations of differing dynamic sensitivity.

The goal of this project is to develop quieter & more effective water-cooling circuits by understanding and damping the sources of flow-induced vibrations. The work will be both theoretical (numerical simulations) and experimental (dynamic pressure measurements on flow circuits). The work will be carried out both at TU/e and ASML premises.

A general outline of the project can be envisaged as follows:

• Review relevant concepts & literature.
• Use and modify existing test setups and investigate performance results.
• Model the dynamic behavior of turbulent separated flows and the associated acoustic disturbance source.
• Select and study different sources of vibrations experimentally and numerically.
• Compare results of models and theoretical/numerical outcome.
• Suggest improved circuit components such as diffusers, junctions and manifolds.

Expected outcomes:

• Insight into disturbance sources.
• Improved performance prediction.
• Design of quieter circuit components.
• Predict dynamic behavior of cooling circuits.
• Novel mitigation & control strategies.

Requirements:

• MSc degree in Engineering Sciences or Applied Physics, preferably involving fluid flow and acoustics.
• Experience with numerical modelling and measurements.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

Salary Benefits:

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,770 max. €3,539).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

38 hours per week

De Rondom 70