The use of Very High Strength Steels (VHSS – structural steels with a nominal yield strength greater than 690 MPa) is of considerable interest for structural weight reduction or the reduction of thickness where very high forces are introduced into a structure. There are a number of aspects that inhibit the further uptake of these steels in the maritime and offshore industry, and the relatively low level of work hardening is one aspect. This PhD will focus on the  hardenability of the material, which is often quantified as the ratio of the yield strength to the ultimate tensile strength of a steel. The outcome of this PhD research will be to recommend scientifically-based rules for the maritime and offshore industry on the required work hardening of steels. These recommendations will take stress localizations due to stress concentrations, plastic hinge  formation, necking, and ductile fracture into account. The successful applicant will work efficiently with analytical methods, commercial FEA software, and experiments in order to develop analytical techniques that will serve as the foundation for the recommended rules. Therefore, the successful applicant will be well rounded, and be especially comfortable with the analytical approaches associated with engineering structural plasticity. As this project is funded by a consortium of companies from the maritime and offshore industry, the selected PhD should have the ability to relate to the needs of the sponsors and identify relevant structural configurations.   

The applicant shall have a masters degree in naval architecture, mechanical/marine engineering, civil engineering, aerospace engineering, or a similar engineering discipline. Strong analytical skills and creativity are expected. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English is required, while the ability to communicate in Dutch is considered valuable.  

Fixed-term contract: Temporary, 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.

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 http://www.tudelft.nl/phd for more information.    

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 Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

The 3mE Faculty trains committed engineering students, PhD candidates and post-doctoral researchers in groundbreaking scientific research in the fields of mechanical, maritime and materials engineering. 3mE is the epitome of a dynamic, innovative faculty, with a European scope that contributes demonstrable economic and social benefits.

The Department of Maritime and Transport Technology (MTT) studies how to develop, design, build and operate marine, dredging and transport systems and their equipment. New generation transport and marine systems require the further development of the knowledge of the dynamics and the physical processes involved in transport, dredging and marine systems, the logistics of the systems and the interaction between the equipment and control systems. For more information on the research activities of M&TT department, please click here.