Offshore wind energy has a huge potential for producing more energy collected from very large wind turbines made of fiber reinforced polymer composites. Currently, the offshore wind energy faces a pressing challenge: rain erosion of the leading edge due to the harsh environment of the offshore conditions. This causes a significant loss of annual energy production. The blades are considered as the engine of turbines and at present, there is no predictable, reliable and durable leading edge protection (LEP) system integrated to an offshore wind turbine blade with ultra-high tip speeds (>100 m/s). The current LEP systems suffer from a high repair frequency which hampers minimizing the offshore levelized costs of energy. How to develop a durable LEP bonded to a fiber reinforced polymer composite blade is still not known because the bonding quality and performance of the interface between the LEP and the main blade shell after the composite manufacturing and its influence on the rain erosion mechanisms are currently not well understood and described. In addition, it is unclear how to modify the properties of LEP material with respect to blade location and weather conditions. A comprehensive instrumented rain erosion test (RET) equipment is therefore urgently needed in order to characterize the erosion mechanisms.

Job description

As a research and development technician you will be responsible for designing, building and commissioning a RET equipment to provide in-depth experimental knowledge on rain erosion behavior of wind turbine leading edge through in-situ data measurement. You will produce and assemble an instrumented lab scale RET setup based on Pulsating Jet Erosion Test (PJET) with a controllable discrete water jet. Sensors need to be integrated in the test specimen to record the loads and deformations during liquid drop impact, in order to identify the damage phenomena and to generate quantitative data to support simulation model development. Both force and strain measurements will give valuable information on damage initiation and progression as well as potential delamination between the LEP and composite blade as a function of time.

Responsibilities

• Identify, source, and procure required components and data acquisition of the RET setup
• Oversee and perform installation of RET setup
• Design and construct RET setup specific fixtures and brackets in the workshop
• Installation of data acquisition equipment (e.g. load cell, strain gauges, pressure transducers, etc.)
• Maintain data acquisition and coordinate calibration activities of all instrumentationMaintain a safe working environment by complying with instructions and guidelines.
• Create daily work plans to achieve experimental test plan goals on schedule.
• Maintain a safe working environment by complying with instructions and guidelines.

• You hold a higher vocational education (HVE/HBO) in Mechanical Engineering or comparable;
• Proven hands-on experience in identifying mechanical components; and to perform required mechanical and final machine assembly;
• Experience with setting up and operating data acquisition systems for data collection of thermocouples, accelerometers, strain gauges, pressure sensors, load cells, LVDT, etc. or you are willing to acquire this;
• Ability to post-process data from tests (Excel experience a must, Matlab+LabView experience desired);
• Great attention to detail;
• Ability to think critically about each test step and the consequence on the material being tested;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills are an absolute requirement;
• Work in a team-based environment to achieve common goals;
• Ability to share the results with the team in a coherent way (orally and written);
• You are fluent in English, both spoken and written.

INFORMATION AND APPLICATION

More information about this position can be obtained from Dr. Ismet Baran (i.baran@utwente.nl)

Please send your application, with a detailed CV and a specific motivation letter, through the link below before October 19th, 2018.

We offer a very challenging position in an inspiring multidisciplinary environment. You will be employed for a period of 1 year. The university offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues in which internationalization is an important part of the strategic agenda.

• Gross monthly salary between € 2.514,- and € 3.358,- fulltime, depending on experience and qualifications (job profile Research Technician O-profile);
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• Excellent support for research and facilities for professional and personal development.
• A solid pension scheme;
• Minimum of 29 leave days in case of full-time employment;
• Professional and personal development programs.

The University of Twente. We stand for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which leads change, innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university of the Netherlands; divided over five faculties we provide more than fifty educational programmes. We have a strong focus on personal development and talented researchers are given scope for carrying out groundbreaking research.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Because of our diversity values we do particularly support women to apply.

The Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) is one of the five faculties of the University of Twente. ET combines Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering. Our faculty has approximately 1800 bachelor and master students, 400 employees and 150 PhD candidates. The departments of the faculty cooperatively conduct the educational programmes and participate in interdisciplinary research projects, programmes and the research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centra and Digital Society Institute.