This Postdoc position is meant to develop and validate a combination of advanced fatigue damage criteria and non-linear (loading & response and resistance induced) damage accumulation models applicable for fatigue design.

Since improving the fatigue design is quite effective in reducing the total cost of ownership, i.e. risk (uncertainty), your first aim is to revise and continue the development of the Total Stress and Effective Notch Stress fatigue strength criteria - adopting respectively an intact and cracked geometry - and corresponding constant amplitude fatigue resistance curves for welded joints in steel structures.

In order to provide fatigue strength and life time estimates in (random) variable amplitude loading & response conditions for design purposes, a non-linear damage accumulation model has to be developed. Particular attention is supposed to be paid to loading & response (e.g. mean stress sensitive sequence effects and time/frequency domain considerations) and resistance contributions. Artificial Intelligence techniques (e.g. Bayesian Inference) could be involved.

Last but not least, validation of the damage accumulation model is envisaged conducting fatigue tests with small scale specimens for different type of loading & response spectra (narrow-band, wide-band, storm, hull-structure monitoring based). An equivalent Total Stress and Effective Notch Stress criterion have to be established, showing that variable amplitude test data fits the constant amplitude test data scatter band.

This position fits within a joint industry project, FReady: a fleat ready combination of physical and virtual hull structure monitoring. The overall project aim is to improve the strength and resistance assessment for improved (fatigue) design and maintenance decisions.

We are looking for an outstanding and enthusiastic Postdoc candidate with a focus on formulation (modelling), validation (testing) as well as application (engineering). In particular:

• Knowledge about fatigue in structures and materials at PhD level is required, preferably involving welded joints.
• Expertise in strength of materials and (maritime) structural dynamics.
• Good mathematical skills and some experience in modelling of physics.
• With (finite element) programming skills (preferably in Matlab and Ansys).
• You have obtained a PhD degree or expect to maintain such a degree very soon.
• Excellent spoken and written English and the ability to work independently are expected.

Note that a minimum TOEFL score of 100 or IELTS of 7.0 applies to all candidates wishing to pursue a PhD programme at TU Delft.

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, 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.

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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.

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