Evolution of the rocket engine exhaust plume along the flight trajectory

Problem Definition: The influence of rocket engine emissions on the atmosphere and thus the climate is directly dependent on the propagation of the engine plume along the flight path. The investigation of the temporal and spatial distribution of the exhaust gases in the atmospheric layers after the launch vehicle has passed through is therefore crucial for drawing conclusions about their climatic influence.
Research Objectives:

Definition of a suitable interface region based on the results from DC8
Numerical analysis of the plume propagation in the near field of the nozzle outlet
Multiscale simulations of the downstream expansion behaviour of the engine exhaust plume for different atmospheric layers
Definition of suitable interfaces to process data for the climate models

Expected Results:

Ability to assess the influence of the engine plume on the release of emissions into different atmospheric layers
Numerical model to describe the temporal and spatial dispersion behaviour of engine exhaust gases in the atmosphere

Secondments:

Centre Euopéen de Recherche et de Formation Avancée en Calcul Scientifique (CERFACS, Toulouse, France, ca. 4 months): interface definitions and adaptions of numerical models
Institute Pierre-Simon Laplace (IPSL, Guyancourt, France, ca. 2 months): interface tuning and simulations for plume-in-grid models

Benefits:

You will be working within our international group of > 30 researchers with experience in a broad range of sciences.
You will get in contact with the other members of this international consortium.
You will benefit from the well-structured training program offered by the host institution and the SLICE consortium to develop skills and thorough understanding of space transportation systems and their environmental impact.
You will be employed by the host organization for 36 months.
You will participate in international conferences and secondments to other organisations within the SLICE network and in outreach activities targeted at a wide audience.
A competitive salary according to MSCA regulations (see page 118ff, https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2023-2024/wp-2-msca-actions_horizon-2023-2024_en.pdf ), including a living allowance, a mobility allowance and, if eligible, a family allowance. The stated allowances represent the gross funding amounts. Employer contributions to social security, health insurance, and other statutory costs will be deducted in accordance with the applicable national regulations.



Please find additional information in the Information package for Marie Curie fellows in doctoral networks (https://op.europa.eu/s/z831).