Demand for renewable energy capacity and a need to increase the size of the supporting structure is growing. With current prediction methods, the industry is reaching the practical limit of using bolt size M72. There is a reluctance to increase the bolt size to M80 or higher, due to uncertainties in the design procedures, manufacturing and installation tolerances, operation and maintenance procedures for larger ring flanges.

In this project, we aim to investigate the bolted connection behaviour in the largest turbine support structures. For this, installation procedures should be in line with design and production to improve quality and significantly reduce the manufacturing, installation, and maintenance costs of ring flange connections. To achieve this, you will explore:

• Development of deterministic bolt fatigue resistance model for bolts with sizes M36-M80 and improved 3D ring flange model.
• Experimental testing focused on material and fatigue testing of the flange segments and bolt material.
• Evaluation of experimental results by FEA.
• Preparing recommendations and guidelines.

This is a 2.5 year Postdoc position established in the international project Bolt&Beautiful, coordinated by TNO and financially supported by GROW. The work is carried out in the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Steel and Composite Structures Group, working on a wide range of steel challenges benefitting from its extensive national and international research network, under the supervision of Prof. dr. Milan Veljkovic and Assist. Prof dr. Trayana Tankova.

The candidate we are looking for has:

• A PhD degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or Materials Science and Engineering.
• Strong numerical modelling skills, i.e. Abaqus, and a lab experience.
• Ability to interact and carry out research with close collaboration with partners from the industry.
• Ability to work independently, take leadership and responsibility for research tasks.
• Result-oriented, creative thinking and systematic working.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.

It is advantageous if you have:

• Previous experience in fatigue and/or wind turbine research.
• Programming skills, i.e. Python.
• Experience in experimental testing.

Fixed-term contract: 30 months.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. 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 we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

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 and 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 depletion, urbanisation and the availability of clean water, conducted  in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced that Open Science helps to achieve our 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.

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