JOB DESCRIPTION

The path to sustainable aviation relies on innovative, efficient production technologies. Thermoplastic composites, combined with novel material architectures, are central to this transition, enabling recyclable, lightweight structures. Research now targets energy-efficient, automated processes and machinery to deliver high-quality components for the next generation of aircraft.
This postdoctoral project aims to experimentally characterize the temperature distribution and heat transfer during the heating of microscopic aggregates of thermoplastic cut tapes, with the goal of accelerating process development for circular materials. You will generate valuable multi-scale data (micro- to mesoscopic) relevant to the manufacturing of aerospace thermoplastic composites, and will play a key role in linking experiments with simulations from a companion PhD project. The work will involve close collaboration with industrial partners and is expected to provide both fundamental insight and practical guidance for advanced composite processing.
The project is conducted at the department of Aerospace Materials and Structures (ASM) of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering (AE) and will be embedded within the Lightweight Composites and Structures project of the “Luchtvaart in Transitie” (LiT) initiative, which brings together a variety of companies and knowledge institutes to develop materials, production technology and structures for ultra-efficient aircraft. This large-scale initiative of the Dutch growth fund is aligned with the mission of the ASM department to make aviation and spaceflight more sustainable by developing novel structures and materials that have a smaller environmental footprint by using less energy and enabling easier recycling, while simultaneously researching how to make structures smarter, lighter and safer, to support the transition to new sources of energy.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

We are seeking for an excellent candidate having knowledge on aerospace composite materials and structures with an interest in advanced experimental approaches for thermomechanical manufacturing processes while having and affinity to supporting numerical methods.

In particular, we look for a candidate with

• A PhD in an appropriate discipline, including Aerospace, Mechanical, Civil or Electrical , Materials Science Engineering
• Experience with experimental and manufacturing techniques, preferably for thermoplastic composites
• A curiosity-driven mindset and a strong motivation of conducting independent research
• Inclination for team-work and effective communication in an international environment
• Desire to publish scientific articles and participate in project meetings and international conferences

Please refer the Job description for details