Enhancement of an optical technique for measuring liquid films on a heated surface (N°28 EN)

IFP Energies nouvelles (IFPEN) est un acteur majeur de la recherche et de la formation dans les domaines de l’énergie, du transport et de l’environnement. De la recherche à l’industrie, l’innovation technologique est au cœur de son action, articulée autour de quatre priorités stratégiques : CLIMAT, ENVIRONNEMENT ET ÉCONOMIE CIRCULAIRE, ÉNERGIES RENOUVELABLES, MOBILITÉ DURABLE et HYDROCARBURES RESPONSABLES.

L’engagement d’IFPEN en faveur d’un mix énergétique durable se traduit par des actions visant :

• à gagner en efficacité énergétique ;
• à réduire les émissions de CO2 et de polluants ;
• à améliorer l’empreinte environnementale de l’industrie et des transports ;

tout en répondant à la demande mondiale en mobilité, en énergie et en produits pour la chimie.

Dans cet objectif, IFPEN développe des solutions permettant, d’une part, d’utiliser des sources d’énergie alternatives et, d’autre part, d’améliorer les technologies existantes liées à l’exploitation des énergies fossiles.

Enhancement of an optical technique for measuring liquid films on a heated surface

This internship focuses on improving the Diffused Backlit Total Reflection (DBTR) method used for studying liquid film evolution on hot surfaces under varying conditions like wall temperature and Weber number. Such studies are critical for applications in modern industrial and technological fields for example cooling of a hot target. The intern will optimize the optical setup and image post-processing techniques to enhance the detection of liquid film surfaces.

Additionally, the intern will conduct experimental tests with various fluids and operating conditions, aiming to refine the understanding of liquid film behaviors and propose innovative improvements to the DBTR method.

Objectives

• Perform a literature review on liquid film behavior and experimental measurement techniques.
• Optimize the current optical setup for enhanced surface detection.
• Develop and refine post-processing methods to track fuel film surface and thickness.
• Conduct experiments under various conditions and evaluate different regimes.
• Document results in detailed reports and propose innovative ideas for method improvement.

Profile

Master’s student or final-year engineering student specializing in Mechanical Engineering, Fluid Dynamics, or a related field.

• Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and experience with experimental setups and optical imaging techniques.
• Proficient in data analysis and problem-solving, with experience in software like MATLAB or Python.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document and present findings clearly.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, with a proactive approach to learning and research.

Keywords: Diffused Backlight Total Reflection (DBTR), Liquid film behavior, Optical technique, Heated surface.

Duration and period of the internship: 6 months, from February/March to August/September 2026.
Location: Rueil-Malmaison