Master Thesis Numerical Simulation of Polymer Flow Dynamics for Green Energy Transition Applications

• Category: Engineering
• Location: Vaesteras, SE

Driven by society’s need to tackle climate change, renewable energy generation continues to grow. To reach out for new natural resources, such as wind, wind farms are now more often being installed offshore at sea, further off the coast. In such places, winds blow with much greater force and more frequently than on land. High voltage (HV) cables are essential elements in the power collection and transmission from offshore wind farms to the shore, thus playing a central role in the green energy transition, aiming to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy. They offer the most efficient means of transmitting a large amount of power over long distances, which helps connect green power to the grid.

An HV cable comprises of different components, i.e. conductor, insulation, sheath, armour wires, etc. The quality of the insulation is largely determined during the extrusion process, where different separate layers of molten polymer are applied in a single operation onto the conductor. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the extrusion process, specifically the behaviour of polymer flow, is essential for improving production efficiency, insulation quality and minimizing material wastage, leading to a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly manufacturing process.

Thesis description
The objective of this thesis is to develop an advanced CFD simulation model to enhance the understanding of the extrusion process. The main activities are outlined as follows:

• Literature Review: Perform a thorough survey of existing research on polymer flow simulation specific to cable extrusion applications to establish a fundamental understanding.
• Data Evaluation: Analyse relevant experimental data from scientific literature and NKT to uncover the underlying physics and mechanisms of the extrusion process.
• Model Development: Create a numerical model to simulate polymer flow within the cross-head of the extrusion line.
• Model Comparison: Validate the simulation model by comparing its results with available experimental data.
• Report Writing: Compile and document the findings, methodologies, and results in a final report.

Qualifications and requirements
The required qualifications are:

• Master student in Mechanical Engineering / Computational Mechanics, Material Science or any related field.
• Good knowledge of fluid mechanics, heat transfer and numerical simulation.
• Good knowledge of non-Newtonian flow is considered as a merit.
• Good experience in using relevant commercial software, e.g. Ansys Fluent and Polyflow.
• Excellent understanding of spoken and written English.

Contact and application
NKT is committed to fostering a diverse organization and a culture where people from different backgrounds can thrive and are inspired to perform at their best. We believe that a diverse organization enables sustainable performance and that an inclusive and welcoming culture creates a better workplace.

Apply with CV, personal letter and transcript of grades via the link below, at the latest November 30.
Tests can occur in our recruitment processes.

If you have any questions regarding the position, you are very welcome to contact Scientist Boshen Bian, [email protected] or +46 70 637 42 43. In case you have any inquiries about the recruitment process please reach out to HR Business Partner, Anna Lundell, [email protected] or +46 70 279 68 61.

Please note that due to the GDPR regulations we cannot accept any applications via e-mail.

Union representatives
Sveriges ingenjörer – Zohreh Keshavarz, [email protected] and Edo Kolic, [email protected].

Welcome with your application!

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About NKT
Join a diverse and international team of experts developing the power cable technology of the future with focus on deeper sea, lower losses and higher performance. Technology is leading the corporate R&D program including material development and operating some of the most advanced high-voltage test centers in the industry. NKT also operates a Technology Consulting center in Sweden, where technical experts and scientists supports industries worldwide in cross-disciplinary R&D projects and technical investigations.

At NKT, we are all Connectors. We connect to develop leading technologies that enable the world’s transition to renewable energy - and we stay connected to grow as people and professionals. As a company, NKT connects a greener world with high-quality power cable technology and takes centre stage as the world moves towards green energy. NKT designs, manufactures and installs low-, medium- and high-voltage power cable solutions enabling sustainable energy transmission. NKT is headquartered in Denmark and employs 5.000 people. NKT is listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen and realised a revenue of EUR 2.6 billion in 2023. We connect a greener world. www.nkt.com

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Senior Mechanical Analysis Engineer
Gustaf is very passionate about his job. He likes to challenge old ideas, he likes to put new ideas forward. For him that is part of the development process and he feels he found just the right spot for him at NKT.

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