The high-tech mechatronic industry in the Netherlands is highly competitive and requires machines to run with ever-increasing speed and precision. State of the art machines have practically reached the asymptote of high support stiff- ness with a low amount of mass. Hence, higher precision and short cycles activate high frequency modes that need to be suppressed in order to obtain the desired performance and further increase the bandwidth. If significant damping is required, common passive dampers will unfortunately add significant mass, because the amount of damping is proportional to the added mass. Additionally, they also provide poor performance in the presence of multiple and/or varying modes. Potentially however, active damping can be the solution when reduced mass is of main concern and multiple modes are present.

Unfortunately, current active dampers exhibit limited suppression when applied to systems with unwanted vibration modes that are dynamically varying and cover a wide range of frequencies (broadband). Additionally, active damping is limited by the actuator force. Therefore, there is a huge challenge in the design of an adaptive mechanism that is capable of suppressing varying broadband vibration modes.

This project proposes to combine the two engineering disciplines of mechatronics and metamaterials to create a mechatronic metamaterial (MetaMech) structure for active vibration suppression. This MetaMech structure is characterised by integrating a high number of small smart actuators in a distributed manner into spatially architectured flexible structures (compliant mechanisms). The goal of MetaMech is to overcome (i) the mass limitation in passive damping and force limitation in active damping by an optimized distribution of active and passive material into a lattice metamaterial structure; and to overcome (ii) the fundamental limitations associated with known linear damping methods to enable broadband and/or varying mode suppression by developing adaptive nonlinear vibration suppression methods. If successful, MetaMech will be an adaptive damping material that enables not only the utilisation of compliant mechanisms for highly dynamic motion systems with larger deflections, but also increases the precision and speed of current motion systems that are limited by broadband vibration modes.

This is a collaborate project with industry partners ASML, VDL, PI and Demcon. 

• Strong background in precision mechatronic systems design
• Capable of performing experimental research
• Capable of multiphysics modeling
• Familiar with active damping (using piezoelectric)
• Familiar with acoustic metamaterial/ Active metamaterial
• Understanding mechanical design is a plus
• Interest in contributing to the global success of the project, liaising with other team members responsible for different segments of the research;
• Appreciation of team work, good social skills, and ability to function in international circles involving experts from academia and industry;
• High proficiency in spoken/written English, and proven experience in preparing technical publications and project reports;
• Interest in contributing to the co-supervision of MSc graduation projects.

Fixed-term contract: 2 years.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (salary indication: € 3.703 - € 4.670 per month gross). The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount 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. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

This Postdoc position is a temporary assignment for two years.

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 as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

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. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.