Postdoc Researcher Damage Tolerance of Structural Bonded Joints

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.

Requirements:

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.

Salary Benefits:

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.

38 - 40 hours per week

Mekelweg 2