In the LICHEN BLADES project, we will work on a circular blade design that will realize the functionality for first use-cycle (wind) and successive use-cycles, enabling blades with reduced carbon footprint, and designed for re-use opportunities.

This PhD project will focus on the materials and manufacturing for the blades: materials with low embodied energy that can be remanufactured, used in the next generation wind turbine blades, and a process window which enables multiple use-cases for structural re-use shall be developed.

The main challenge will be: How can we combine carbon-capturing natural fibres with thermoplastic matrices into tapes which can be used for in-situ consolidation using minimum waste additive-based automated fibre placement manufacturing of structural parts?

We aim to:

• Use high-performance materials (based on natural fibres and thermoplastic resins) and increase mechanical properties through bioinspired approaches and use of in-situ consolidation
• Create a process design with these materials for blade manufacturers and subsequent users
• Showcase the abilities of the materials and its manufacturing techniques of representative blade section

This position is part of the LICHEN BLADES project and will be jointly supervised by Julie Teuwen and Kunal Masania - Aerospace Manufacturing Technologies (tudelft.nl/ae/amt) and Shaping Matter Lab (shapingmatterlab.com)

• Driven, enthusiastic and independent thinker
• MSc degree (or equivalent) in aerospace engineering, materials, production or mechanical engineering, or a related subject
• Fundamental knowledge about composites, especially thermoplastic composites (material and process), and/or natural fibre composites
• Interest in developing scalable biologically inspired materials
• An affinity to experimental work relating to composite manufacturing, Automated Tape Placement (ATP), filament winding or similar techniques is preferred
• Ability to work in a project team and take responsibility for own research goals
• The candidate should have a very good command of English language, in direct communication as well as writing skills and should enjoy working in an interdisciplinary environment
• The candidate is expected to contribute to an exciting and vibrant atmosphere in the department, and publish work of high scientific quality and participate in international conferences

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2443 per month in the first year to € 3122 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

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 to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Aerospace Engineering

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is one of the world’s most highly ranked (and most comprehensive) research, education and innovation communities devoted entirely to aerospace engineering. More than 200 science staff, around 250 PhD candidates and over 2,700 BSc and MSc students apply aerospace engineering disciplines to address the global societal challenges that threaten us today, climate change without doubt being the most important. Our focal subjects: sustainable aerospace, big data and artificial intelligence, bio-inspired engineering and smart instruments and systems. Working at the faculty means working together. With partners in other faculties, knowledge institutes, governments and industry, both aerospace and non-aerospace. Working in field labs and innovation hubs on our university campus and beyond.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering.