Jobid=619534495723433953 (0.0199)
ph3PhD Position: Optical Characterisation of Performance Limits in Materials under Cryogenic Conditions /h3 pbChallenge: /b Characterise aerospace materials under cryogenic and dynamic loading. /p pbChange: /b Optical testing in extreme conditions. /p pThis PhD project investigates how aerospace materials deform, degrade and ultimately limit structural performance when exposed to cryogenic temperatures and different strain rate regimes. The position is part of the Dutch Aviation Systems Analysis Lab (DASAL), 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 growing interest in hydrogen as an alternative fuel for aviation has increased the need to understand how aerospace materials behave under cryogenic temperatures as low as 20 K (−250 °C) and in contact with hydrogen. This project aims to develop and formalise knowledge concerning the deformation mechanisms of materials in cryogenic conditions at various strain rates, focusing on the creation of testing methodologies that can accurately observe, detect, and measure deformation and damage under large temperature gradients. The developed methodologies will provide reliable experimental data to validate new numerical models and contribute to the certification of future composite structures. Optical measurement techniques such as digital image correlation, pattern tracking, high‑speed imaging, and thermography will be explored to enable full‑field characterisation of deformation, strain localisation, and damage evolution under cryogenic and strain‑rate‑dependent loading conditions. /p h3Preliminary research questions for the PhD project /h3 ul liWhat measurement techniques can enable the observation of relevant deformation and damage phenomena in experiments under cryogenic conditions? /li liHow can the constraints imposed by cryogenic testing conditions be rationally overcome to characterise material behaviour reliably? /li liWhat characterises the strain‑rate dependence of material deformation in cryogenic conditions, from quasi‑static to dynamic loading? /li /ul h3Responsibilities /h3 pAs a PhD candidate you will: /p ul liDesign, set up, and conduct optical metrology experiments under cryogenic and high‑strain‑rate conditions. /li liDevelop and optimise measurement and data‑analysis methodologies, including digital image correlation, high‑speed imaging, and thermography. /li liAnalyse experimental data to characterise deformation mechanisms and damage evolution. /li liValidate experimental results with numerical simulations and contribute to the certification of composite structures. /li liDisseminate your findings through journal articles, conference presentations, and industrial outreach. /li liCollaborate with researchers from different disciplines within the Optical Metrology for Aerospace and Design of Structures groups. /li /ul h3Job requirements /h3 ul liA Master’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, applied physics, materials science, experimental mechanics, instrumentation, or a related discipline. /li liA strong interest in experimental testing, material characterisation and the behaviour of materials under extreme environmental and loading conditions. /li liHands‑on experience with experimental set‑ups, measurement systems, optical measurement techniques, mechanical testing, or laboratory instrumentation. /li liExperience with digital image correlation, image processing, high‑speed imaging, thermography, cryogenic testing, composite materials, numerical modelling, or non‑destructive testing is a plus. /li liCapacity to work independently and as part of a team. /li liGood communication skills and the ability to collaborate with researchers from different disciplines. /li /ul h3Supervision and collaboration /h3 pThis position is shared by the Optical Metrology for Aerospace (OMA) and Design of Structures research groups, both within the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology. Your supervisors will be Dr. Andrei Anisimov and Dr. Saullo Castro. /p h3Conditions of employment /h3 pDoctoral candidates will be offered a 4‑year period of employment, divided into two contracts: an initial 1.5‑year contract with an official go/no‑go progress assessment within 15 months, followed by a second 2.5‑year contract if performance requirements are met. /p h3Salary and benefits /h3 pSalary is in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, ranging from €3 059 to €3 881 gross per month from the first to the fourth year, based on a full‑time contract (38 hours). Additional benefits include 8 % holiday allowance, an end‑of‑year bonus of 8.3 %, a monthly work‑costs contribution, and discounts on health insurance. /p h3Application procedure /h3 pTo apply, please upload the following documents by 18 Jun 2026: /p ul liDetailed CV /li liCopies of your BSc and MSc degrees and transcripts /li /ul pIn the motivation letter, describe the main challenges you expect in characterising material deformation and damage under cryogenic conditions using optical measurement techniques. /p pFor further information about the PhD admission requirements, see: /p pContact for the position: /p /p #J-18808-Ljbffr
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