The project will focus on the application of large-scale Lagrangian Particle Tracking for the investigation of the aerodynamic and aeroelastic response of a drone subject to a gust. Measurements will be conducted both in the Open Jet Facility of TU Delft, as well as outdoor (both in Delft and in the premises of ONERA). During the PhD project, the candidate will:

1) Develop a control system for the lateral and longitudinal stability of the drone;

2) Perform LPT measurements to investigate the aerodynamic and aeroelastic response of the drone subject to a gust in the TU Delft OJF;

3) Develop and assess a facility for the free-flight investigation of the aerodynamic and aeroelastic responses of the drone;

4) Apply the developed methodologies to the blended wing-body drone of ONERA.

The project will be jointly conducted within the ASM and FPT departments of TU Delft.

The candidate will be embedded in the Large-Scale PIV group of TU Delft Aerodynamics, and work in collaboration with experienced researchers and other PhD students working on large-scale quantitative flow visualizations and aeroelasticity.

The candidate should meet the following requirements:

• MSc degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering
• Proven affinity with experiments, possibly in wind tunnels
• Strong background in fluid mechanics and aeroelasticity
• Strong background in mathematics and physics
• Competences on numerical modelling and finite element analysis
• Competences on control theory
• Expertise on design, synthesis and integration of systems
• Excellent track record in BSc and MSc degrees
• Proficiency in the English language, both oral and written
• Strong motivation towards pursuing a PhD
• Be able to work in a team with other researchers

The following skills are also highly appreciated:

• Knowledge of turbulent and separated flows
• Familiarity with Lagrangian Particle Tracking and the Shake-the-Box algorithm
• Familiarity with the NASTRAN software

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 € 2872 per month in the first year to € 3670 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 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 Aerospace Engineering

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is one of the world’s most highly ranked (and most comprehensive) research, education and innovation communities devoted entirely to aerospace engineering. More than 200 science staff, around 270 PhD candidates and close to 3000 BSc and MSc students apply aerospace engineering disciplines to address the global societal challenges that threaten us today, climate change without doubt being the most important. Our focal subjects: sustainable aerospace, big data and artificial intelligence, bio-inspired engineering and smart instruments and systems. Working at the faculty means working together. With partners in other faculties, knowledge institutes, governments and industry, both aerospace and non-aerospace. Working in field labs and innovation hubs on our university campus and beyond. 

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Jurij Sodja at j.sodja@tudelft.nl .