This project “Autonomous VIsion tAcTile rObots foR inspection (AVIATOR)” aims to provide a step change in resolution and speed of visual inspection in large-scale safety critical composite structures such as airplanes by creating novel autonomous UAVs with combined vision and tactile capacities and use of advanced artificial algorithms. Currently, visual inspection is conducted by skilled operators, allowing room for human errors, and health and safety (H&S) concerns. AVIATOR will remove humans from the loop, and increase the productivity, reliability, and resolution of inspection, reducing the costs and downtime associated with inspection, and reducing the H&S risks of difficult to access locations.

We are looking for 3 PhD candidates with complementary expertise in composite materials (PhD1), machine learning (PhD2) and UAV design (PhD3), who will work together on this NWO-OTP funded project.

You (PhD 1) will be based at Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Department 3MD, Section Materials & Environment, in close collaboration with the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering.

In your research, you will focus on generating impact damage for different size and curvature composite samples under various impactor shapes representing real-world conditions. You will develop finite element models that can simulate the development of the in-service meso/micro-structure damage and associated changes of appearance/texture of the structure. You will validate the models by extensive experiments and post-impact characterization of the samples using C-scan and CT scan to assess the damage morphology. You will work in close collaboration with PhD2, PhD3, and our industrial partners, NLR, Mainblades, Gelsight, Space53, to exploit and increase the technology readiness level by validating in the lab and relevant environments, which can be demonstrated in the relevant environment for KLM, NLR and other interested partners.

The research will be performed in the Material health monitoring research group and Structural Integrity & Composites research group. The groups cover the micro-scale (materials) to the macro-scale (integrated structures) research activities, and are well equipped for hosting experimental and computational works, having state-of-the-art manufacturing and mechanical testing facilities, and an extensive range of high-performance computational facilities and required software. Click here https://www.tudelft.nl/en/ceg/ to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.

We are looking for ambitious PhD candidates (for PhD 1) with:

• A MSc degree in a relevant field such as Mechanical, Materials, Aerospace Engineering, etc.
• Knowledge and interest in composite materials design and characterization, both modelling and experimental skill sets are desirable.
• The ability to work both in a project team and independently, taking leadership and responsibility for research tasks.
• Good communication skills in English, both written and oral.

Doing a PhD 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. A minimum IELTS score of 7 or equivalent is mandatory for international students. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

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.

Fixed-term contract: 4 jaar.

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 € 2770 per month in the first year to € 3539 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, 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 Civil Engineering & Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced of the importance of open science and supports its scientists in integrating open science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.