PhD Position: Design and Manufacturing of Adaptive Winglets for Green Aviation

University of Twente
December 02, 2024
Contact:N/A
Offerd Salary:€ 2.872
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Working address:N/A
Contract Type:Other
Working Time:Full time
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The Chairs of Nonlinear Solid Mechanics (NSM) and Advanced Manufacturing for Sustainable Products and Energy Systems (AMPSES), within Faculty of Engineering Technology, have an opening for a PhD position focused on the development of adaptive winglets using shape memory alloys in aircraft.

The Challenge

This research project seeks to advance the aviation sector by developing adaptive winglets featuring morphing surfaces, utilizing Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) and a hybrid AI-driven control system. This approach aims to deliver notable aerodynamic gains, extending aircraft range and operational efficiency while lowering environmental impact. The control system combines passive mechanisms that respond to ambient temperature variations at different altitudes with active thermal adjustments for precise, real-time modulation. This dual-control strategy optimizes winglet configurations across various flight phases, reducing reliance on conventional, heavy mechanical components. By introducing this hybrid system, the project aims to establish a foundational shift in aircraft design prioritizing fuel efficiency, emissions reduction, and alignment with climate-neutral targets for 2050.

Your role

  • Participate in cutting-edge research under the guidance of leading experts in the field.
  • Engage in the design, simulation, and experimental testing of SMAs and morphing structures.
  • Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team including members from the University of Twente, Technical University Delft, and other partners.
  • Report your research findings in bi-weekly meetings and at international conferences.
  • Prepare and publish your research in high-impact academic journals.
  • Your profile
  • A master's degree in mechanical engineering, materials science, aerospace engineering or a closely related field, with excellent grades.
  • Expertise in in computational mechanics, with a strong foundation in nonlinear continuum mechanics, finite element analysis, and data analysis, especially as applied to materials science.
  • Interest in experimental methods related to materials science, with an emphasis on shape memory alloys.
  • Proficient in programming and simulation software.
  • Independent, responsible, and highly motivated with strong analytical skills.
  • Excellent communication skills in English, both verbal and written.
  • Our offer
  • As a PhD candidate at UT, you will be appointed to a full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, within a very stimulating and exciting scientific environment.
  • The University offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues.
  • Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
  • You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 2.872,- (first year) to € 3.670,- (fourth year).
  • There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
  • A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
  • Free access to sports facilities on campus.
  • A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid)
  • You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision.
  • We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers and other staff.
  • Information and application

    Please submit your application before December 2nd, 2024 , using the "Apply now" button, and include the following:

  • Curriculum vitae
  • Letter of motivation
  • Transcripts from your BSc and MSc courses
  • IELTS or TOEFL score
  • Contact information of 2 references
  • A one-minute video explaining why you are the best fit for this position.
  • The intended starting date will be as soon as possible.

    For more information, you can contact Dr. habil Celal Soyarslan via phone: +31 5 3489 7499 or email: [email protected], or Dr. Ir. Mehrshad Mehrpouya via phone +31 (0) 534898038 or email: [email protected] or by phone at.

    First (online) interviews will be held on shortly after the deadline.

    About the organisation

    The Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) engages in education and research of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering. We enable society and industry to innovate and create value using efficient, solid and sustainable technology. We are part of a ‘people-first' university of technology, taking our place as an internationally leading center for smart production, processes and devices in five domains: Health Technology, Maintenance, Smart Regions, Smart Industry and Sustainable Resources. Our faculty is home to about 2,900 Bachelor's and Master's students, 550 employees and 150 PhD candidates. Our educational and research programmes are closely connected with UT research institutes Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Center and Digital Society Institute.

    Want to know more Soyarslan, C. (Celal)

    Associate Professor

    Soyarslan, C. (Celal)

    Associate Professor

    Do you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Celal for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.

    Contact

    Phone:+31534897499

    Email:[email protected]

    How to apply Step 1

    Apply. When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.

    Step 2

    Selection. The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.

    Step 3

    1st interview. The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.

    Step 4

    2nd interview. In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.

    Step 5

    The offer. If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer. If applicable, we will sign you up for screening.

    Your Colleagues
  • Mehrpouya, M. (Mehrshad)
  • Personal page

  • Boogaard, A.H. van den (Ton)
  • Personal page

  • Gibson, I. (Ian)
  • Personal page

  • Our mission Human Touch
  • At the UT it's all about people, in line with our university's High Tech Human Touch philosophy. In everything we do, the well-being and future of our students and staff are paramount. From research and teaching to personnel management, campus management and the use of new technologies.

  • Our mission We are a university of technology
  • Our university is a public institution that serves society. We are accountable to society for the ways in which we use our academic freedom. We are responsible for ensuring that the power of science and technology is harnessed to achieve the best possible impact in a changing world. We cherish our rich tradition of combining technical and social sciences in our five profiling themes: Improving healthcare by personalized technologies; Creating intelligent manufacturing systems; Shaping our world with smart materials; Engineering our digital society; and Engineering for a resilient world.

  • Our mission We help to strengthen society
  • We help society meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. But we are also transparent about what science and technology can and cannot do in finding sustainable solutions. And help translate these solutions into everyday life.

  • Our mission We are sustainable
  • We want our communities to flourish and show resilience, so we seize opportunities for innovation. We are knowledgeable and have an eye for what society needs. Our students and staff receive all the guidance they need in their quest for ecological, social and economic sustainability. “The University of Twente is all about people. Our sustainable technologies help to strengthen society.”

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