Job Information
Organisation/Company: CNRS
Department: Institut P': Physique et Ingénierie en Matériaux, Mécanique et Énergétique
Research Field: Physics
- Physics » Solid state physics
- Physics » Surface physics
Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
Application Deadline: 30 Sep 2026 - 23:59 (UTC)
Country: France
Type of Contract: Temporary
Job Status: Full-time
Hours Per Week: 35
Offer Starting Date: 1 Dec 2026
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?: Not funded by a EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?: No
Offer Description
The PhD student will be based at the Pprime Institute (pprime.fr) and will participate in project progress meetings at the sites of industrial partners Safran Aircraft Engines and CETIM Nantes.
At the CNRS, on the Futuroscope site, the PPrime Institute is recruiting a doctoral student to study the numerical modeling of overlapping piston ring seals in static, semi-static and dynamic operating conditions as part of the ANR/AEROSEAL-funded research project.
This thesis is being conducted within the framework of a partnership between the PPRIME Institute, Safran Aircraft Engines and CETIM, and the AEROSEAL chair, whose objective is to improve knowledge of aeronautical sealing.
Overlapping piston ring seals are used in numerous aeronautical applications, both civil and military. Their primary function is to ensure an airtight and/or oiltight seal between two pressurized engine cavities.
These rings can operate in different configurations:
- Static: the ring is fixed in its bore and provides a seal between two static parts (without relative movement between the two parts)
- Semi-static: the ring can move axially in its bore over a very short distance and provides a seal between two static parts
- Dynamic: the ring can move axially in its bore over a very short distance and provides a seal between two parts in relative movement (such as a "piston/bore" or "rotor/stator" system).
The estimation of leakage rates is currently carried out using an analytical approach that does not take into account the physicochemical properties of the ring, the interfacing parts, or their surface conditions.
1-The objectives of the thesis are:
- To understand fluid flows through inter-shaft seals
- To quantify leakages at the piston ring/bore and piston ring/rotor interfaces and at the clearance level
- To define sizing criteria
- To optimize the piston ring geometry (axial/radial dimensions; sealing clearance, surface finish, materials, etc.) for different application cases.
Refined numerical modeling of the seal ring validated by dedicated experimental results will enable the implementation of strategies to improve its operating conditions.
2-Task Description:
- State of the art / monitoring of single- and two-phase fluid flow modeling
- Modeling of single- and two-phase flows through sealing rings in static configurations
- Modeling of single- and two-phase flows through sealing rings in semi-static configurations
- Modeling of single- and two-phase flows through sealing rings in dynamic configurations
- Exploitation of experimental test campaign results
- Master the dedicated test rig: understand operation, calibrate sensors, set up the protocol and data acquisition program, and conduct rig qualification tests,
- Perform experimental tests on the dedicated rig to validate the numerical model,
- Analyze results from experimental test campaigns: compare calculations with test data and validate the numerical model.
The candidate must hold a Master's degree in Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering or in Materials Science with good training in mechanical design, numerical modeling of continuous media and a programming language.
Where to apply
Website: https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/Doctorant/UPR3346-NADMAA-172/Default.aspx
Requirements
Research Field: Physics
Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Research Field: Physics
Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Research Field: Physics
Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Languages: FRENCH
Level: Basic
Research Field: Physics
Years of Research Experience: None
Research Field: Physics » Solid state physics
Years of Research Experience: None
Research Field: Physics » Surface physics
Years of Research Experience: None
Additional Information
Website for additional job details: https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/Doctorant/UPR3346-NADMAA-172/Default.aspx
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: Institut P': Physique et Ingénierie en Matériaux, Mécanique et Énergétique
Country: France
City: CHASSENEUIL DU POITOU
Contact
City: CHASSENEUIL DU POITOU
Website: http://www.pprime.fr