Life cycle evaluation is an important aspect of novel structures and needs to become an integral part of design. As such, the life cycle evaluation of composite pressure vessels, which may be used as storage tank for LH2 in future airplanes, is an important aspect to investigate. In this work, two aspects of life cycle evaluation will be investigated to determine whether thermoset or thermoplastic composite materials are the best to use. On one hand, the manufacturing process itself will be studied, on the other hand the additional design options (and possible weight savings) when using thermoplastic material rather than thermoset will be investigated. By the end of the project, an informed decision about the best option shall be presented.

This position is part of the COCOLIGH2T (COmposite COnformal Liquid H2 Tank) project. In this project the main aim is to design, develop, and manufacture a disruptive, safe, and lightweight LH2 storage system for the aviation sector with increased volumetric efficiency. This storage system will be conformal and made out of composite material.

• You are an enthusiastic researcher with excellent qualifications, such as a PhD degree (or equivalent) in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related subject.
• You have affinity with life cycle analysis and composite design is strongly preferred. Experience with research on thermoplastic composites is a big plus.
• You have a very good command of the English language, in direct communication as well as writing skills and enjoy working in an interdisciplinary environment.
• You are expected to publish scientific articles and participate in international conferences.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (based on scale 10: € 2.960,00 - € 4.670,00). 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, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

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 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 270 PhD candidates and close to 3000 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.