Jobid=620625961194890191 (0.0199)
ph3Job description /h3 pThis PhD position focuses on developing life-cycle assessment methodologies compatible with structural design and the energy transition in aviation. /p pbChallenge: Develop LCA methodologies compatible with structural design and the energy transition in aviation /b /p pbChange: Design paradigm beyond lightweight /b /p pbImpact: More sustainable aircraft structures /b /p pThis PhD position is part of the Dutch Aviation Systems Analysis Lab (DASAL) project, a collaboration between TU Delft and Royal NLR within the Dutch Luchtvaart in Transitie programme. DASAL develops computational and simulation models to assess the effects of aviation innovations and policy choices on sustainability, economic, and societal impact. /p pThe life‑cycle impact of conventional and commercial aircraft is largely driven by fuel efficiency, given the large number of flight hours these vehicles accumulate. From a structural design perspective, this efficiency primarily translates into lightweighting, driving most current research toward lighter structures. However, the energy transition in aviation poses new scenarios that may affect this relationship between life‑cycle impact and fuel efficiency. For instance, the use of green hydrogen as a low‑emission fuel might bring other life‑cycle aspects beyond fuel efficiency to the forefront, potentially introducing significant changes in the design principles for novel structures. Additionally, hybrid and electric aircraft will require unprecedented levels of maintenance related to battery exchange, which will also drive structural designs toward easier‑to‑maintain options. /p pThe LCA community uses life‑cycle analysis as a decision‑making method rather than a quantitative objective function, yet designs are usually defined by quantitative indicators, such as the mass of the system, costs to acquire and process raw materials, and costs to manufacture the designed parts. Therefore, this PhD research will have the challenge of defining structural design‑compatible LCA methods that are accurate enough to produce the minimum level of certainty compatible with conceptual and preliminary design phases, and enable a good trade‑off. /p pFurthermore, to answer some of the research questions, the PhD researcher might need to define experiments aimed at refining some of the LCA assumptions or data that will be considered critical during the research. /p pPreliminary research questions for the PhD project are: /p ol liWhile traditionally structural design in aerospace focuses on lightweighting, what other life‑cycle design focal points can be expected with currently intended transitions in aerospace, including the use of hydrogen, hybrid and electric aircraft? /li liHow to create LCA scenarios to evaluate technologies that could enable breakthroughs in sustainable structural design? /li liThe above questions will be further refined, and more research questions will be defined by the PhD candidate in the first months of their research. /li /ol pIn addition to the main project, you may contribute to educational and ongoing research initiatives within the group, leveraging your expertise. You will also have the opportunity to explore and develop your own ideas and research directions. /p pThe first supervisor of this PhD position will be an Assistant Professor dedicated to life‑cycle assessment for structures, and the promotor will be Irene Fernandez Villegas, Associate Professor, both working in the Department of Aerospace Structures and Materials within the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology. /p h3Job requirements /h3 pYou must have: /p ul liA master’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline. /li liStrong interest in structural design, sustainability, life‑cycle analysis, and experimental testing. /li liThe capacity to work independently and as a team member. /li liExcellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate with researchers from different disciplines. /li liA good level of English proficiency and social skills to work effectively with academic, industrial and project stakeholders. /li /ul pThe outcomes of this project will be disseminated to the scientific community, industrial stakeholders and a general audience through presentations at national and international conferences, publications in peer‑reviewed journals, and project meetings. You will also participate in English‑taught Doctoral Education courses, write scientific articles and prepare a final thesis. Additionally, you may be involved in training and teaching MSc students. /p /p #J-18808-Ljbffr
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