Netherlands: PhD position in Flexible Floating Structure Modelling and Analysis

[administrator]

The Numerical Analysis group is looking for a talented and motivated PhD candidate to develop computer-aided design and analysis tools for offshore floating photovoltaics.

Job description

The transformation of our energy systems from fossil fuel-based to renable-based systems is calling for innovative solutions to harvest renewable energies at land, at sea and in space. Very flexible floating structures (VFFS) have been proposed to unlock the full potential of offshore floating photovoltaics. VFFS follow the wave elevation and allow for large structural deflections. Ballasting systems can prevent wind and currents from folding the leading edge. However, wrinkling is critical for the solar modules and can lead to structural collapse.

The overall aim of the multi-disciplinary FlexFloat project, which is a joint effort between the Numerical Analysis group at the Delft Institute of Applied Mathematics (DIAM) and the groups Ship and Offshore Structures, and Ship Hydromechanics at the Department of Maritime and Transport Technology (MTT), is to develop efficient VFFS design tools.

The task of this PhD project is to develop mathematical models and efficient computer-aided design and analysis tools for large deflection and wringling simulation of VFFS. Large deflections and wrinkling are geometrically nonlinear effects that require nonlinear fluid-structure interaction simulations (FSI). The mathematical models and simulation tools shall be developed in the context of Isogeometric Analysis, which is particularly suited for this task.

The consortium has a long tradition in developing numerical simulation tools and is part of the international developer team of the open-source G+Smo (Geometry plus Simulation Modules) library, which forms the basis of this project. The PhD candidate will collaborate with other G+Smo developers in Europe as well as with the other members of the FlexFloat team at TU Delft. 

Requirements

Basic requirements:

• A master’s (or master-equivalent) degree in Mathematics, Computational Science and Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.

Specific requirements:

• Strong interest and competence in at least one of the following: applied mathematics, numerical analysis, geometric modelling, scientific computing.
• Good programming skills in C++ and the willingness to work in an interdisciplinary team is a must.
• Experience in Isogeometric Analysis and/or the numerical simulation of Fluid-Structure Interaction problems is a bonus.

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.

Conditions of employment

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 € 2541 per month in the first year to € 3247 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 sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Adviceto assist you with your relocation.

TU Delft (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 valuesand we actively engageto 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 Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three disciplines - electrical engineering, mathematics and computer science. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make future-proof. We are also working on a world in which humans and computers reinforce each other. We are mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. There is plenty of room here for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1,100 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click hereto go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.

Additional information

For more information about this vacancy, please contact dr. Matthias Möller (M.Moller@tudelft.nl) or dr.ir. Henk den Besten (Henk.denBesten@tudelft.nl).

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before 15-03-2023 (March 15, 2023) via the "Apply now" button and upload the following mandatory documents:

• A detailed CV with contact information for 2 references.
• Detailed transcripts with all university grades.
• A motivation letter (1-2 pages) that should address your vision of the project, the topics you find interesting and why, how would you approach those topics, etc.
• A (draft) version of your master's thesis and any papers submitted.
• Formal proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/other language certificates).
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.

NOTE that applications will be assessed on a rolling basis and suitable candidates will be invited for interview, so it is recommended not to wait until the deadline with your application.

https://www.tudelft.nl/over-tu-delft/werken-bij-tu-delft/vacatures/details?jobId=10563&jobTitle=PhD position in Flexible Floating Structure Modelling and Analysis