Thesis offer – Role of snap-off in the residual trapping of organic contaminants in porous unde[...]

Geosciences » Other

Organisation/Company UNIVERSITE D'ORLEANS Research Field Engineering » Water resources engineering Geosciences » Other Physics » Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 3 Apr 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Oct 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 use of the subsurface for environmental and industrial applications, such as geological CO₂ storage or aquifer remediation, involves complex multiphase flows in porous media. Despite their importance, the mechanisms controlling residual fluid trapping remain poorly understood, limiting our predictive capabilities at the scale of natural sites.

This thesis addresses this issue and aims to better understand the residual trapping of organic contaminants, particularly non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs), which are a major source of long‑term groundwater pollution. A key mechanism of this trapping is snap‑off, a phenomenon whereby the fluid fragments into droplets at pore constrictions.

The main objective of the thesis is to quantify the role of snap‑off in residual trapping and to improve its prediction. The scientific questions addressed include the influence of the viscosity ratio between fluids, the role of pore network connectivity, and the possibility of detecting and quantifying these phenomena via a geoelectric response.

Methodology

The work will be based on an experimental approach combining:

• Microfluidics for geosciences (Roman et al., 2025), in order to observe flows at the pore scale, ranging from simple geometries (isolated constrictions) to complex pore networks;
• Image analysis and micro‑PIV (Particle Image Velocimetry) to characterize velocity fields and flow regimes;
• Integrated geo‑electrical measurements on microfluidic chips, a pioneering technique developed at ISTO (Rembert et al., 2023);
• Comparison of experimental data with existing numerical models (Soulaine et al., 2021) and development of new snap‑off criteria.

Where to apply

E-mail

Requirements

Research Field Engineering » Other Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Master's degree (or engineering school), training in engineering, geosciences, physics, or fluid mechanics. Interest in multiphase flows, microfluidics, and/or geophysical methods. Strong interest in research and laboratory work required. Good writing skills.

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

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