Research Scientist Computational Fluid Dynamics and Statistical Physics Towards Composites Processing

BlueHalo has an opportunity available for a Research Scientist to join our collaborative multidisciplinary team at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) in Dayton, OH. The research will consist of investigating the fluid dynamics of polymer melts towards the processing of aerospace composites. This may include polymer flows into molds and/or woven fiber reinforcements, extrusion-based additive manufacturing, and flows containing particulate suspensions such as carbon fibers, carbon nanotubes, or other nanoparticles. Understanding statistical processing-morphology relationships (e.g. crystalline orientation, nanoparticle alignment, and dispersion as a function of shear rate) will be of particular interest.

A background and experience in computational multicomponent fluid dynamics (e.g. volume of fluid methods), computer programming-particularly language(s) most relevant to scientific computing, and strong communication skills will be required for this role.

Depending on progress and future directions, the Research Scientist will have the opportunity to foster new, and sharpen existing, skills in various other areas such as machine learning, uncertainty quantification, multiphysics flows (e.g. electrohydrodynamics), homogenization, nonequilibrium thermodynamics, reaction-diffusion equations (of frontal polymerization), among others.

The Research Scientist will work closely with AFRL researchers, professors, students, staff, and industry collaborators to map composite processing parameters to material morphologies and, eventually, performance for Air Force applications. Impact will be achieved through publications, conference presentations, and, when possible, transitioning technology with industry partners.

Qualifications:

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field
• 2+ years of experience working in computational fluid dynamics (which can include the above academic experience or industrial experience).
• Expertise in multicomponent fluid dynamics
• Experience with programming
• Ability to learn and master new approaches and techniques
• Must be self-motivated, with good interpersonal skills, and be effective collaborator with researchers from different technical backgrounds
• This position requires excellent oral and written communication skills
• This position involves working within a government facility and requires U.S. Citizenship

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with CFD software package(s) such as OpenFOAM, OpenLB, COMSOL, STAR-CCM+, ANSYS Fluent, or others
• Experience with non-Newtonian fluid dynamics and/or flow with particulate suspensions
• Expertise in machine learning (e.g. artificial neural networks, dimensional reduction)
• Proficiency in any of Python, Julia, Mathematica, Rust, C++, or MATLAB
• Desired start is early 2025 (January)