We have a vacancy for a two-year research project to study the leading edge erosion (LEE) behaviour of wind turbine blades. Wind turbine blades encounter harsh environmental conditions including rain, salty seawater, hail, sand, dirt. This may lead to abrasion and crack formation, deteriorating the aerodynamic behaviour of the blade. The aim of the WINDCORE project is to develop wind turbine control strategies, based on optimising the rotor speed, aiming at alleviating the blade LEE. Within the research project, TUDelft is responsible for improving the correlations between the rain characteristics encountered by the blades, blade tip speed and the erosion behaviour of the blades. Also, an improved LEE model correlating LEE damage with these rain characteristics will be developed. This research will lead to the identification of useful control strategies to minimise leading edge erosion. The research will be based on experimental work and simulation work.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and creative researcher motivated to push the limits in durability of wind turbine blades. Applicants should have the following qualifications:

• PhD in material engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, applied physics or another relevant discipline

• Extensive experience with material testing, analysis and modelling

• Knowledge of modelling degradation mechanisms in materials

• Excellent English, communication and reporting skills

• Comfort working both independently and in a team

• Pro-active, independent, problem-solving, and result-oriented work attitude

The candidate is expected to publish and participate in international conferences.      

Fixed-term contract: 2 years.

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. You will have 232 hours of paid leave each year and in addition to your salary, at TU Delft you will receive an annual holiday allowance of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% of your salary.

Faculty Aerospace Engineering

The faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is one of the world's largest faculties devoted entirely to aerospace engineering. In the Netherlands it is the only research and education institute directly related to the aerospace engineering sector. It covers the whole spectrum of aerospace engineering subjects. In aeronautics, the faculty covers subjects ranging from aerodynamics and flight propulsion to structures and materials and from control and simulation to air transport and operations. In astronautics, topics include astrodynamics, space missions and space systems engineering. The faculty has around 2,700 BSc and MSc students, 225 PhD candidates and 27 professors supported by scientific staff.
The faculty's mission is to be the best Aerospace Engineering faculty in the world, inspiring and educating students through modern education techniques and enabling staff to perform ambitious research of the highest quality for the future of aerospace. The working atmosphere at the faculty is friendly, open-minded and dedicated.

The Department of Aerospace Materials and Structures is dedicated to research on and development of structures and materials. The department consists of multiple groups that together cover the range from fundamental material science to full-scale structural component testing.

The Aerospace Manufacturing Technology group focusses on product and process innovation with advanced polymer composites. Its interdiscipinary research between materials science, engineering and manufacturing provides building blocks for novel industrial technologies

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