During this one-year Post-doc assignment, you will investigate the feasibility of using hydrogen gas turbines in the future together with three staff members. 

During temporary shortages of renewable wind or solar energy, a hydrogen gas turbine could be used to convert hydrogen to electricity. As such, it can help to usher in a green economy. Conventional gas turbines (designed for the combustion of hydrocarbons) cannot simply be converted to hydrogen gas turbines, as hydrogen combustion leads to much higher temperatures. Moreover, at high temperatures and due to stress fields induced by centrifugal forces, hydrogen can easily diffuse into the turbine blades, resulting in deterioration of mechanical performance and substantial reduction of the service-time. To minimize hydrogen induced degradation, new design schemes, materials and associated manufacturing need to be developed for turbines in which hydrogen is ignited. However, the constraints imposed on the turbine blades must be known first.

You will predict the hydrogen distribution inside the turbine blades by numerically solving the temperature dependent & stress induced diffusion problem. Based on this prediction, we hope to develop enhanced designs as well as novel materials for hydrogen turbines. As this position is part of a collaborative effort between three departments (Process & Energy, Precision and Microsystems Engineering and Material Science Engineering), you will have expert advice from different disciplines at your disposal. Moreover, we will work together with another group at 3mE that will focus on macroscale modelling of hydrogen embrittlement in steels. 

Applicants should have the following qualifications:

• PhD. degree in mechanical, civil, aerospace engineering, physics or a closely related field.
• Background in computational solid mechanics, finite element analysis and other numerical techniques.
• Knowledge about hydrogen embrittlement and experience with computational transport phenomena is a plus.
• Strong programming skills.
• Good communication skills and ability to be a team player in a multidisciplinary setting.
  
• Self-starter with initiative and ability to set up, organize and execute his/her own research and meet targets.
• Good comprehension of the English language.

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

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.TU Delft has partnered with housing corporation DUWO in the greater-Delft region to offer accommodation to researchers coming to the Netherlands. 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 Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

The 3mE Faculty trains committed engineering students, PhD candidates and post-doctoral researchers in groundbreaking scientific research in the fields of mechanical, maritime and materials engineering. 3mE is the epitome of a dynamic, innovative faculty, with a European scope that contributes demonstrable economic and social benefits. 

At the department of Process & Energy, we enable the energy transition by educating future (mechanical) engineers and by developing novel processes and equipment for the production and consumption of novel fuels, chemicals and materials. We perform outstanding research in the fundamentals (thermodynamics and fluid dynamics) and in technologies (energy technology and storage, process intensification and multiphase systems).

https://www.tudelft.nl/en/3me