PhD Position: ATLAS A03a - Characterisation of Materials under Hyperthermal Conditions (experiment.)

The DFG-funded Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) 1667 “Advancing Technologies of Very Low-Altitude Satellites” (ATLAS) at the University of Stuttgart (Germany) addresses the fundamental scientific and engineering challenges of rendering Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO, about 200 km to 450 km altitude) accessible. These orbits are particularly beneficial for satellite services that have become indispensable to our modern knowledge, information, and communication society and enable the operation of satellites without exposing them or contributing to the increasing contamination of traditional orbits with space debris. The research programme encompasses 17 distinct scientific subprojects that are organised into three project areas, focusing on exploring the Gas-Surface Interactions, Enabling Subsystems, and Mission-related Challenges that are respectively critical towards ultimately achieving sustained VLEO operations. Striving towards this common goal, the CRC ATLAS encompasses an especially broad range of research disciplines as well as experimental, numerical, and analytical methods.

The ATLAS Project A03: Characterisation of Materials under Hyperthermal Conditions is conducted under the joint leadership of Prof. Dr.-Ing. Stefanos Fasoulas and apl. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Georg Herdrich at the Institute of Space Systems (IRS) located on the Vaihingen Campus of the University of Stuttgart.

Please refer to https://www.sfb1667.uni-stuttgart.de for further information on the CRC 1667 ATLAS and its individual research projects.

A novel, experimentally well characterised ground test facility will be realised in this project based on a plasma wind tunnel adapted with a skimmer. The development will be accompanied by detailed simulations with the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) code PICLas. The associated methodology for combined experimental and numerical investigations of gas-surface interactions will be established and evaluated. This will particularly allow for an experimental validation of physical models developed and used in the numerical tools in this and other projects.

Two doctoral researchers will be collaborating in this project, with a respective focus on experimental and computational work. As doctoral researcher with an experimental focus, you will

• Participate in the design and implementation of the new experimental setup,
• Select and implement suitable probe diagnostics for a VLEO-relevant ground test environment,
• Assess operational envelopes, calibrate test conditions and define ground-to-flight scaling procedures for the newly implemented methodology,
• Define Derive and characterize reference test conditionsa test matrix, conduct and evaluate experiments on VLEO-relevant material degradation and other gas-surface interaction phenomena.

Suitable candidates possess a M.Sc. in engineering, physics, or an equivalent field of science relevant to the research program of the CRC ATLAS. Previous experience in the field of experimental and/or computational (rarefied) aerothermodynamics is advantageous. Additionally, candidates should have excellent writing skills. Fluency in English is required; command of German is appreciated. Active support of and participation in the CRC program is expected.

All vacancies for Ph.D. positions include a full- or part-time position for a period of 3.75 years. Remuneration is based on the TV-L statutory scale and its associated public sector benefits. The earliest possible starting date is April 1st, 2024.

For its doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, the CRC ATLAS offers an ambitious structured interdisciplinary training programme with joint supervision by experienced researchers from different disciplines. The program includes also opportunities for research stays abroad to foster international cooperation and for participation in international conferences for the dissemination of the respective findings. Selected candidates will likely find themselves in an exceptionally good starting position for their continued future career in academia or industry.

A complete application includes a letter of application, a detailed CV, relevant certificates, and a list of publications (if applicable). Applications are accepted until the respective position is filled; a first application deadline is set to February 15th, 2024.