Postdoctoral researcher
This work will involve conducting research at different scales to characterize the generation of fires from
rechargeable batteries. The researcher will conduct large- and bench-scale fire experiments using
characterization technologies, including heat flux gauges, radiometers, thermal imaging cameras, and
thermocouples. The goal of these experiments is to determine appropriate methods to characterize the
ignition, heat transfer, and heat release rate of rechargeable batteries. In doing so, this work will
advance the metrology needed to assess the hazard presented by rechargeable battery fires.
Characterization for rechargeable battery fires
- A doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or
Fire Protection Engineering, or a closely related field. The candidate must have a doctoral
degree by the start of the appointment, or have a degree confirmation letter stating they have
accomplished all requirements to receive the degree Expert experience in the following areas:
o Convective and Radiative heat transfer
o Heat release rate measurements using a cone calorimeter
o Dynamics of fires generated from battery energy storage systems or electric vehicles- Familiarity with the use of computational fluid dynamics models (Fire Dynamics Simulator or
FireFOAM) - Demonstrated knowledge of data acquisition systems using National Instruments equipment
- Common scripting languages (Python, Matlab)
- Ability to develop research plans and document research results in journals
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
Key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
- Conducting experiments to assess the evolution of thermal runaway in a rechargeable battery
and the resulting fire, - Determining methods to collect, process, and analyze data generated from heat flux gauges,
radiometers, thermal imaging cameras, and thermocouples, - Assessing the uncertainty of measurements collected from experiments
- Use modeling tools to simulate the heat transfer of a rechargeable battery as it transitions to
thermal runaway - Presenting results at internal meetings and meetings with external stakeholders,
- Ensuring that results, protocols, software, and documentation have been archived and
disseminated in archival journals