The PhD candidate is challenged to look into the capabilities of Scale Resolving Simulations for its use in composite propeller optimization. The focus in research is thereby on the use of SRS for the prediction of noise sources from cavitation. Cavitation erosion constraints need thereby be included. As SRS methods and the time scales needed are not directly suitable for the evaluation of a large number of design alternatives, Reduced Order modelling and Machine Learning techniques will have to be employed for cavitation noise predictions. Previous work on Cavitation Erosion Risk predictions can be used in the propeller design, as well as studies on properties and their stress and fatigue limits from the structural group. Your work will be synchronized with the work of two other PhD students currently working on composite propeller optimization. You will join our enthusiastic and interdisciplinary team of researchers and experts at the Delft University of Technology, in the Department of Maritime & Transport Technology working closely with the Aerodynamics Group of the faculty of Aerospace Engineering and in collaboration with our industry partners.

The total duration of this PhD project is 4 years, with a starting date no later than December 31, 2023.

We are looking for enthusiastic researchers, who want to develop their know-how and experience in a challenging academic environment. In more specific terms:

• The successful applicants are in the first 4 years after graduation (MSc) of their research career.
• A degree in Mechanical Engineering, Maritime Technology, (Applied) Physics, Aeronautics, or equivalent degree with a focus on fluid mechanics is a prerequisite.
• Interest in structural mechanics is regarded as a strength.
• A critical and inquisitive attitude with regard to results is expected, which translates into formulating new research questions.
• Ability to function both in a team and independently.
• Good communication skills, with a sound knowledge of the English language, and both oral and written proficiency.
• Due to funding/project reasons, candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2770,- per month in the first year to € 3539,- in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, 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.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the 3mE faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

3mE is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in 3mE’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.