Thesis proposal

The CORIA laboratory, located in the Madrillet technology park near Rouen, Normandy, is a Joint Research Unit (UMR) attached to the Institute of Engineering and Systems (INSIS) of CNRS, the University of Rouen Normandie, and INSA Rouen Normandie. CORIA's research areas cover fundamental and applied studies in photonics, turbulence, atomization, and reactive flows. The recruited person will join the Optics and Lasers Department of CORIA. A trip to Canada is planned for the molecular dynamics part of the thesis.

The ANR Toscana project aims to study experimentally and simulate numerically the synthesis of nanoparticles (metal oxides) in flame (FSP-flame spray pyrolysis). The goal is to provide the basis for optimizing hydrogen-based FSP technology for the “green” production of nanoparticles on an industrial scale, by enabling optical control of the synthesized objects and the numerical tool to simulate such nanoparticles with complex morphology. The challenge is to better control turbulent combustion in order to master the characteristics of the nanomaterials thus produced in terms of size and morphology, parameters which modify their final performance.

This thesis focuses on numerical simulations, aiming to enhance the MCAC (Monte Carlo Aggregation Code) to simulate sintering. Metal oxide formation simulations will be based on CFD simulations using AVBP software from CERFACS. The morphological and radiative properties of the generated particles will be evaluated using the ADDA code from CORIA and compared with experimental results by an EM2C PhD student, supported by the CORIA team.

The recruited student must have a Master/engineer degree (Bac+5) in engineering or physics, solid coding skills in C++ and Python, and a good understanding of reactive flow physics. Proficiency in English is mandatory; knowledge of French or willingness to learn is a plus. Essential computer skills include post-processing development in Python.

General skills:

• Good knowledge of written and spoken English is mandatory; knowledge of French or the willingness to learn would be an asset.

• Strong communication abilities.

• Computer skills are essential, including post-processing development in Python.

Operational skills:

• Solid coding skills in C++ and Python.

• Good understanding of the physics of reactive flows.

• Experience in designing hybrid AI approaches (inductive and deductive reasoning) for decision-making is considered an advantage.

• Development and exploitation of ontologies or knowledge graphs.

• Experience with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations using LAMMPS.

• Conducting LES simulations on the experimental laminar Flame Spray Synthesis in collaboration with CERFACS (AVBP code).

• Characterizing the radiative properties of virtually generated nanoparticles using the ADDA code.

Wishing experiences (likely one of them):

• Experience in machine learning or deep learning.
• Simulation of particle synthesis and sintering phenomena.
• Working with CFD simulations and AVBP software.
• Analysis of Transmission Electron Microscopy images.
• Evaluation of radiative properties of nanoparticles.

Wishing Diplomas: Master/engineer degree (Bac+5) in engineering or physics.

• Contract duration: 3 years
• Start date: September 1 or October 1, 2025
• Gross salary: 3 100 €
• Thesis director: Jérôme Yon (jerome.yon@insa-rouen.fr)
• Thesis co-supervisors: Eléonore Riber (Cerfacs, Toulouse, France) and José Morán (University of Ottawa, Canada)
• Thesis location: CORIA, Rouen, Normandy, France

Joining INSA Rouen Normandie means evolving in a stimulating and caring environment, at the heart of academic excellence. We offer a modern working environment that promotes work-life balance, with benefits such as an annualization of working hours allowing you to benefit from many days off, sports and cultural activities, collective catering and transport facilities and free access to the establishment's car parks. You will join an institution committed to parity and diversity.

You want to join an institution that values the creativity, collaboration and well-being of its employees. Join us and shape the innovation of tomorrow!

Applications (cover letter and CV, specialization subjects, grades, and rankings. A letter of recommendation is optional) should be sent to jerome.yon@insa-rouen.fr with the subject line: “Thesis proposal"

Selected applications will undergo an oral interview (via videoconference) and an administrative investigation due to the CORIA laboratory's location in Restricted Zones (ZRR). This process may take up to 2 months, after which the final candidate will be notified to begin administrative registration.