The role and share of offshore wind in the energy transition will become more and more relevant. Offshore wind turbines increase in size and so does the size of their foundation piles. The interaction of the large diameter foundations of offshore wind turbines with the surrounding soil is one of the key research areas where the offshore wind industry expects to cut conservatism and reduce uncertainty in design. This expectation comes from the facts that (1) currently prescribed design models were not designed for large-diameter monopile foundations that are applied nowadays, and (2) available measurement techniques capture the relevant soil characteristics only partially.  

The post-doctoral position is embedded in a project which is aimed at the development of a novel device for dynamic soil investigation. Industry partners of the TU Delft research team will develop a prototype. The device will finally be used for in-situ investigation of dynamic soil properties, at frequencies and strain levels relevant to monopile foundations for offshore wind turbines. Next to the prototype, the project will deliver tools enabling identification of frequency-dependent and strain-dependent in-situ soil parameters relevant to monopile foundations from the non-linear response of the device. In addition, models will be developed to enable direct application of the identified soil properties to offshore wind foundation design. 

The post-doctoral researcher is expected to focus on the fundamental part of the project and will have the following main tasks:

1. Develop a semi-analytical model to describe the non-linear dynamic soil response to an operating device
2. Cooperate with the project team in developing a detailed numerical model to describe the non-linear dynamic soil response to an operating device, including the effect of device installation.
3. Develop a parameter-identification scheme for soil parameters based on the developed models.

The candidate should hold a PhD degree in a related scientific field (e.g., non-linear dynamics, structural dynamics, soil dynamics). The candidate should have a solid and proven expertise in the area of non-linear vibrations and/or wave propagation, and should be acquainted with analytical/semi-analytical and numerical methods for wave propagation problems in continuum or soil dynamics.

It is expected that the candidate will be able to work independently and in a team. Good verbal and written English proficiency are essential.

This appointment will be given for a period of 2 years. The salary will be based on scale 10. TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.     

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

https://www.tudelft.nl

Faculty Civil Engineering and Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering and 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. The research covers global social issues and is closely connected to education as well as the work of a wide range of knowledge institutions. CEG is convinced that Open Science helps to realise these goals 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.

The Department of Engineering Structures studies civil engineering structures and infrastructure with a focus on resilient, smart and sustainable solutions that meet the societal demands in transportation, energy transition and sustainable reuse. Integral part of the department is the Macromechanical Laboratory in which small and full scale testing, monitoring and physical modelling of structures are carried out to facilitate direct implementation of innovative solutions.

Within the department, the Dynamics of Solids & Structures section focusses on wave processes in materials and structures and on dynamic soil-structure and fluid-structure interactions. The theory of linear and non-linear waves and vibrations serves as the basis for the group's research, which is accomplished by employing analytical, numerical and experimental approaches.

https://www.tudelft.nl/en/ceg/