Postdoc Upscaling Behaviour of Complex Hybrid Steel-Composite Bonded Joint for Large Scale Offshore Structures

Reaching energy transition goals of 2030 and 2050 require multiple increases in production capacity and cost reduction of support structures for wind turbines offshore. With the increasing size of turbines and the deeper location of wind farms, the monopile foundations of offshore wind turbines increase in size, weight, and cost. Jackets can be attractive alternative because multi-membered circular hollow section (CHS) support structures are lighter than monopiles. However, the complex welds result in reduced fatigue resistance of structural joints of steel circular hollow sections thus higher costs and longer production route for jackets than for monopiles.

In the project WrapNode-II, TU Delft leads research with industrial partners following up the results in WrapNode-I, enabling implementation of the innovative, bonded, wrapped composite joint in jackets for offshore wind turbines. We aim to characterise and further understand full-scale and multi-axial behaviour and influence of offshore environment on durability of the joints.

Your role in the project/team will be to investigate influence of size-effects on static and fatigue performance of complex wrapped composite joints.

You will focus on:

• Conducting fatigue and static tests on large scale uni-planar and multi-planar CHS
• Validation of large-scale joints experiments by advanced finite element modelling involving damage and contact nonlinearities
• Organize on-site testing and collaborate in postprocessing of data of downscale multi-membered tower structure with hybrid steel-composite joints

The research focus of the department Engineering Structures is placed on the investigation and development of resilient, smart and sustainable structures and infrastructures as well as on the structures for energy transition. Within these main themes research is carried out into the dynamics of structures, mechanics of materials related to e.g. climate change, modelling and design of railway systems, multi-scale modelling of pavement materials and structures, reuse of materials, structures and parts of structures, assessment methods for structures, smart monitoring techniques, design methods, replacement and renovation of civil infrastructure and development of new materials and maintenance techniques. The groups are using the unique Macro Mechanics Laboratory for full scale testing, monitoring and modelling of structures to facilitate implementation of innovations. The department delivers a large number of courses both at the BSc and MSc level. 

Background in terms of MSc and PhD in field of (combinations possible):

• Civil/Structural Engineering (e.g. fatigue and/or seismic resistance of steel and concrete structures, connections, composites/FRP structures, tubular CHS or RHS joints)
• Mechanical engineering (e.g ship building, wind turbine blades, offshore structures, fibreglass pipelines
• Aerospace Engineering (e.g. composites, fatigue and structural integrity)

Required skills/a candidate should have the following experience:

• Planning and designing test set-ups, specimens and measurement plans for large-scale structural experiments
• Conducting and control of large-scale member cyclic and/or monotonic load experiments
• Post-processing and analysis of monotonic and cyclic and/or monotonic load experiments
• Non-linear FEA for failure mode and ultimate resistance analysis of large-scale structural members/components
• Writing and publishing scientific papers in top journals

Desired skills/ a good candidate would have the following experience:

• Conducting of on-site experiments
• Fatigue characterisation of large-scale structural members
• Fracture analysis of bonded connections/joints
• Failure and fatigue of Circular Hollow Section joints
• Measurement techniques using DIC, LVDTs and optical fibres
• Design and implementation of frames and mechanical fixtures for load application and BC control in large-scale member/component experiments
• Supervising theses of MSc students     

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 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!

The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced of the importance of open science and supports its scientists in integrating open science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 8 December 2023 via the application button and upload:

• A detailed CV;
• A short letter of motivation stating your personal research/academic/development interests (max 1 page);
• contact information of two persons who can provide references;
• A publication list;
• A 300 words abstract of your MSc (and PhD thesis);
• Two selected publications.

If your MSc diploma and transcript are not in Dutch, English, French or German and you will be the selected candidate, the TU Delft will ask you to deliver a certified translation in case you will be appointed.

This vacancy is part of a bundle of two vacancies for project WrapNode-II; vacancy 1 (Cyclic) and vacancy 2 (Upscaling) are similar and candidates will be considered for both positions in CV review process.

Please note: 

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-Employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.