PhD Position Structural Health Monitoring of Fiber-reinforced Composite Ships

This PhD position deals with development of innovative monitoring methods for ship structures made of fiber-reinforced composites under extreme loads

Fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) structural members offer significant potential for ships, including reduced weight, corrosion resistance, enhanced strength-to-weight ratio, optimized performance, noise and vibration reduction. These can lead to improved operational effectiveness, maintenance schemes, and crew comfort. Next to these advantages, utilization of composite materials for fast ocean-going vessels also requires addressing a number of outstanding challenges, e.g. Operation under extreme loading and the effect on structural integrity. Slamming loads or greenwater loads, together referred to as (wave) impact loads, can induce heavily-stressed locations in the composite member through (often invisible) delamination, fiber breakage, matrix cracking, etc. Leading to a reduced fatigue lifetime of the structure.

This project deals with an in-depth investigation of slamming loads and their effect on FRC hulls and superstructures. The study will particularly focus on the development of monitoring methodologies using onboard and/or embedded sensor systems, data-driven estimation of stress state in heavily-loaded areas due to slamming loads, and assessment of micro- and macro-damage incurred to the structure under such loading conditions that can affect the lifetime of the vessel. Collaboration with highly-recognized (industrial) partners and other PhD researchers involved in the program is envisaged.

We are looking for an outstanding and enthusiastic PhD candidate with focus on developing new methodologies for montioring of wave impact loads and the structural integrity of ship structures. In particular, the candidate is expected to have:

• Fundamental knowledge and understanding about maritime structures in waves.
• Familiarity with fiber-reinforced composite materials and structures.
• Good mathematical skills and experience in numercial methods for structures and/or fluids.
• Good programming skills (e.g. Matlab, Python).

You have obtained an MSc or equivalent degree or expect to maintain such a degree very soon. Excellent spoken and written English and the ability to work independently are expected. Note that a minimum TOEFL score of 100 or IELTS of 7.0 applies to all candidates wishing to pursue a PhD programme at TU Delft.

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!

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It's a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME's outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

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.

, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 4 May 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

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.

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.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.