KTH in Stockholm is the largest and oldest technical university in Sweden. No less than one-third of Sweden’s technical research and engineering education capacity at university level is provided by KTH. Education and research spans from natural sciences to all branches of engineering and includes architecture, industrial management and urban planning. There are a total of just over 15,000 first and second level students and more than 1,600 doctoral students. KTH has almost 4,300 employees.

Activities at School Industrial Engineering and Management cover the engineering, technological and economic knowledge necessary to be able to develop new products, material and production processes in a sustainable fashion as concerns technical management, financial profitability and the environment. One precondition for innovation and enterprise is the study and application of basic physical and chemical phenomena as well as the integration of new, often multidisciplinary technologies, methods and tools. Core knowledge areas include energy technology, industrial design and innovation, product and production development, materials development, micro and nano technology as well as industrial economics, organisation and management.

Machine Design has deep scientific knowledge in several technical areas and is at the same time able to integrate and realize this knowledge into processes and technology-based products and services, often referred to as having the ability to educate and work in a ‘T-shaped’ manner. This is the Unique Selling Point of the department, and also the basis for our future strategies and means in terms of a number of larger interdisciplinary centres, programs and initiatives.

Project Description

The research will address the development of sustainable hydrodynamic thrust bearings for energy intensive rotating machinery, such as gas and steam turbines, and development of the novel environmentally adapted and energy efficient turbine oils. Thrust bearings accommodate axial loads acting on the rotating shafts and are important elements influencing strongly turbine efficiency and reliability.

The goal is to increase the load carrying capacity and reliability and to reduce power losses. The use of novel environmentally adapted turbine oils will provide lower power losses and eliminate adverse effects of mineral oils on the environment. The research will include numerical modelling of thrust bearings and experimental studies in a test rig. Employment as a PhD student is up to 5 years. Up to 20% of time will be allocated for other activities such as teaching.

Eligibility and Assessment Criteria

You have a master degree in mechanical or vehicle engineering, design or product development, applied physics or similar.  You must be strong motivated for scientific research.  Good analytical capabilities to independently formulate and solve problems in necessary. Good communication capabilities and ability to work in a team are of importance. Excellent English level is a requirement.

Application

Deadline for application is 2012-03-04.
Please indicate reference number M-2012-0090 in the e-mail subject
Applications should be emailed to: registrator@itm.kth.se

The application must include following documents:

1. Curriculum vitae,
2. Official record of transcripts and copy of degree certificate.
3. A brief description of why the applicant wishes to engage in research.

Contact

Sergei Glavatskih, Professor
Phone: +46 8 790 63 82
Email: segla@kth.se

Trade union representative

Lars Abrahamsson, SACO
Phone: +46 8 790 70 58
Email: lars.abrahamsson@ee.kth.se