Adhesive bonding is an efficient structural joining technique that enables efficient lightweight composite airframe design, a prerequisite for the transition towards more sustainable aviation. However, automation of the bonding process in manufacturing, in combination with stringent certification requirements, demands advances in understanding of, and in assessment methodologies for, fatigue and damage tolerance.

In this position you will contribute to this need, by developing and validating prediction methodologies consisting of static and fatigue damage growth tests on generic coupons, in conjunction with analytical or numerical modelling. This project will feature a large amount of experimental work, in combination with analytical and/or numerical modelling, depending on which approach proves to be most feasible.

You will conduct this research within the Aerospace Structures and Materials Department of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering of TU Delft. Direct supervision will be provided by Dr. ir. J.A. Pascoe and Dr. ir. R.C. Alderliesten.

This position is a part of the 'Sustainable Structural Bonding Technologies' (SUBSONIC) project. You will therefore collaborate with another post-doc, who will start about half a year after the start date of this postdoctoral project. You will also collaborate with the industrial partners. Within the ASM department there is currently a larger community of PhD candidates and post-docs working on fatigue and damage tolerance of aerospace materials and structures.

Tasks and responsibilities of this position include:

• Conducting independent research into fatigue and damage tolerance of adhesively bonded composite structures with guidance from the supervisory team.
• Assisting in education delivered by the ASM department.
• Communicating the results of your research via journal articles, conference presentations and meetings with the project partners.

Need to have:

• A PhD degree in a relevant field, e.g. Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or similar, with a research topic relevant for this project.
• Affinity with the topic of fatigue of composite structures and materials.
• A desire to acquire the new skills and knowledge needed to complete the project.
• A critical attitude towards your own work and that of others.
• Good written and oral communication skills, with the ability to communicate the value of your work in both academic and industry settings.
• English proficiency.

Nice to have:

• Prior experience with adhesive bonding.
• Prior experience with fatigue testing.
• Experience with adhesive bonding of aircraft components.
• Experience in analytical or numerical modelling of fatigue and/or fracture.

Fixed-term contract: 3 years.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, 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.