Composite structures are increasingly used in commercial aviation as primary aircraft structures. The design specifications require that the fatigue response of a composite structure with impact damage levels typical of those that could be developed during manufacturing, assembly, and in-service should be evaluated. This recommendation is generic enough and although it can be interpreted as the time of the impact is taking into consideration, there is no link with the damage state of the structure when the impact may occur.

This project examines the effect of in-situ impact on the damage accumulation process and its implications on the remaining useful life of composite structures. Emphasis will be given on characterizing the damage state as function of time that the impact occurs, impact location, and impact energy.

This research includes active participation within the REMAP European H2020 project 

The candidate should have a master degree in Aerospace/Aeronautics Engineering or Mechanical Engineering with solid background on mechanics of composite materials and experimental mechanics. A combination of strong mathematical/analytical skills and advanced programming skills is required. Understanding of the principles of structural health monitoring techniques such as Acoustic Emission, Lamb waves, Strain monitoring with optical fibres is advantageous for this position.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. You will have 232 hours of paid leave each year and in addition to your salary, at TU Delft you will receive an annual holiday allowance of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% of your salary. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit www.tudelft.nl/phd for more information. TU Delft creates equal opportunities and encourages women to apply.

Technische Universiteit Delft

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

Faculty Aerospace Engineering

The faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is one of the world's largest faculties devoted entirely to aerospace engineering. In the Netherlands it is the only research and education institute directly related to the aerospace engineering sector. It covers the whole spectrum of aerospace engineering subjects. In aeronautics, the faculty covers subjects ranging from aerodynamics and flight propulsion to structures and materials and from control and simulation to air transport and operations. In astronautics, topics include astrodynamics, space missions and space systems engineering. The faculty has around 2,700 BSc and MSc students, 225 PhD candidates and 27 professors supported by scientific staff.

The faculty's mission is to be the best Aerospace Engineering faculty in the world, inspiring and educating students through modern education techniques and enabling staff to perform ambitious research of the highest quality for the future of aerospace. The working atmosphere at the faculty is friendly, open-minded and dedicated. 

The Department of Aerospace Materials and Structures is dedicated to research on and development of structures and materials. The department consists of multiple groups that together cover the range from fundamental material science to full-scale structural component testing. The Structural Integrity and Composites group focuses on the performance needs of future structures and products by intergrating design, safety, manufacturing, and maintenance. The group has a unique reputation in the field of fatigue of structures and materials, combined with expertise in structural hybrid/composite concept development and manufacturing for assuring structural integrity during all phases of the entire operational life.    

https://www.tudelft.nl/en/ae/