PhD Position on Impact Analysis of Composite Structures

Four-year PhD on computational modelling of high-velocity impact on composites.

A technical research organisation in central Netherlands is hiring a PhD candidate for a four-year research position, combined with a doctoral programme at a technical university. You research how composite structures behave under high-velocity impact. The ideal split is three days at the research site, one day at the university and one day from home.

What you will do:

• Study existing computational methods and open-source software for simulating high-velocity impact
• Carry out experimental impact testing in the first phase
• Write a literature review on computational modelling of impact on composites
• Choose the most promising method, then implement and extend it, including new algorithms and material models
• Build fast surrogate models with machine learning and model order reduction
• Integrate those models into a design optimisation framework for impact scenarios

What you bring:

• A master degree in aerospace, mechanical or civil engineering with a focus on computational mechanics
• Experience with finite element modelling, aerospace structures and damage mechanics
• Excellent spoken and written English
• The ability to balance a broad research scope with real-world application
• A positive result from a security screening

What you get:

• A four-year research contract
• At least 45 days off for a full-time week
• A fixed end-of-year bonus of 8% and a contribution to healthcare costs
• Extra paid parental leave and working from home where possible