Numerical modelling of ablation products resulting from upper stage re-entries

Problem Definition: During atmospheric re-entry, materials are subjected to high enthalpy flows and release ablation products. For instance, considering Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels (COPVs), the resin of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) material progressively pyrolyzes. Subsequently, they erode trough thermo-chemical processes, involving the carbonaceous residue and carbon fibres. Precise modelling of degradation is crucial to quantify the amount of ablation products released in the at-mosphere.
Research Objectives:

Adaptation of the computational tools to assess the degradation of COPVs exposed to high-enthalpy flows
Simulation of experimental results obtained in the VKI Plasmatron (existing data) and US arc-jet facilities and development of a surrogate model
Calibration and validation of computational model using a Bayesian inference method applied to the surrogate model
Prediction of ablation products during re-entry scenario

Expected Results:

Gas-surface interaction model for re-entering COPV
A numerical database of high-enthalpy flow ground experiments
A numerical database of ablation products for re-entry scenario

Secondments:

von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics (VKI, Sint-Genesius-Rode, Belgium, ca. 4 months): Simulation of existing VKI Plasmatron tests
University of Stuttgart (US, Stuttgart, Germany, ca. 4 months): simulation of arc-jet experiments

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).