Current design methods are severely limited when considering the challenges of designing safe and effective structural systems for future marine systems such as complex autonomous ships, mega floating sea-structures, floating wind turbines, or delta infrastructures. Such new complex marine systems have sizes and lifetime operability and reliability requirements unlike anything we have previously engineered. Accounting for the extreme loading and fatigue situations these structures will face during their lifetime is a particularly challenging design problem. As engineers seek innovative solutions to further tap the potential of the maritime sector, they will need advanced design and analysis methods to understand whether these systems are sufficiently reliable.

The main challenge for the PhD will be devoted to developing new methods to identify relevant sea states expected to lead to extreme loading of these novel systems and determine the resulting statistics of lifetime loading and fatigue.

Department
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 see:
https://www.tudelft.nl/en/3me/departments/maritime-and-transport-technology/

We are looking for a candidate with a MSc degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering/ Maritime Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related subject with strong interests in marine structures, hydrodynamics, digital signal processing, and data mining or “big data” techniques. Experience in the fatigue of marine structures, probability, and statistics is a major plus. Strong communications skills and a very good command of the English language are required.

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.
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.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers both in business and in a social context. TU Delft offers 16 Bachelor’s and 32 Master’s programmes to more than 23,000 students. Our scientific staff consists of 3,500 staff members and 2,800 PhD candidates. Together we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

The Faculty of 3mE carries out pioneering research, leading to new fundamental insights and challenging applications in the field of mechanical engineering. From large-scale energy storage, medical instruments, control technology and robotics to smart materials, nanoscale structures and autonomous ships. The foundations and results of this research are reflected in outstanding, contemporary education, inspiring students and PhD candidates to become socially engaged and responsible engineers and scientists. The faculty of 3mE is a dynamic and innovative faculty with an international scope and high-tech lab facilities. Research and education focus on the design, manufacture, application and modification of products, materials, processes and mechanical devices, contributing to the development and growth of a sustainable society, as well as prosperity and welfare.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering.