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

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

Are you focused on the development of adaptive winglets using shape memory alloys in aircraft ?

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Key takeaways

  • Hours
    38 - 40 hr.
  • Salary indication
    Salary gross/monthly
    based on full-time
    € 2,872 - € 3,670
  • Deadline
    2 Dec 2024

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

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:

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: c.soyarslan@utwente.nl, or Dr. Ir. Mehrshad Mehrpouya via phone +31 (0) 534898038 or email: m.mehrpouya@utwente.nl or by phone at.

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

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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)

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.

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.

Apply now

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

About The Faculty ET

Curious about what the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) stands for? Check out the ET website for more information.

A job that matters

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