Postdoc position “Stochastic multiscale analysis of thermoplastic composites”

Weight is a major obstacle in greening transport, as extra mass means extra energy use. Polymer composites offer lightweighting potential of 20-30%. However, current generation (thermoset) solutions are hard to recycle. Thermoplastic composite (TPC) components, instead, can be produced rapidly and recycled easily. Scaling up both the series size and the physical dimensions of the structures in a viable and sustainable way, however, poses a major challenge. While the manufacturing of individual parts is at a proper level of maturity, the integration and assembly of these parts is far less developed, particularly in fusion bonding (the preferred joining method). Failure of assembly implies scrapping the entire structure. This project is trying to resolve this problem, by establishing the scientific principles for a physics-based design and production system of advanced assembly and integration manufacturing methods of TPCs at an industrial scale.

Job description
We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral candidate to join our research team. Your research focus will be on the development of stochastic multiscale approaches (micro-to-macro) describing nonlinear material behaviour (fracture propagation) by use of physics-based and data driven approach. The performance of integrated thermoplastic composite structures is critically dependent on the material and process parameters, which are indirectly extracted via typical lab-based experiments and process monitored in situ, respectively. On the other hand, the physics-based models describing manufacturing process and structural performance considered in this project are of nonlinear and multiscale nature. Therefore, you will be actively engaged in the development of online algorithms that can process both the computationally expensive physics based models and monitored data in a real time. The work will be done in collaboration with other groups within Perspectief programme (Participants: Airborne, Airbus, Aniform, Autodesk, Boeing, Boikon, Bosch, Cato, Composites NL, DSM, DTC, Engel, e?Xstream, GKN/Fokker, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, JLR, KVE, M2i, Province of Overijssel, SAM|XL, SET Europe, Solvay, Delft University of Technology, Eindhoven University of Technology, TNO?BMC, Toray Advanced Composites, TPRC, University of Twente, University of Warwick, and Victrex).

Requirements:

• A PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering (nonlinear mechanics, computational mechanics or related), Computational Sciences in Engineering, Scientific Computing, or a related field.
• Proficient in written and oral English.
• Strong, proven programming skills in Python.
• The ability to operate at the intersection of various fields.
• A high degree of responsibility and independence, able to collaborate with colleagues, researchers, and other university staff.
• Experience with finite element libraries and numerical methods would further strengthen the application.

Salary Benefits:

The UT provides a dynamic and international environment, combining the benefits of academic research with a topic of high industrial relevance, excellent working conditions, an exciting scientific environment, and a green and lively campus.

We offer:

• Excellent mentorship in a stimulating research environment with excellent facilities;
• An offer for a personal development program within the Twente Graduate School;
• A gross monthly salary of € 5.090,- max depending on education and experience;
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, and a year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• A minimum of 29 holidays per year in case of full-time employment;
• Full status as an employee at the UT, including pension and health care benefits;

38 - 40 hours per week

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