EngD position: Flexure-joint Integrated Robust Elastic tripping mechanism
The EngD programme is a 2-year post-MSc technological programme with a focus on technological design. The programme consists of an educational component, which will be completed at the University of Twente, and a design project carried out across two University of Twente chairs—the Precision Engineering group and the Control and Mechatronics group—in collaboration with Siemens Energy, based in Berlin. Most of the design work and experiments will be conducted in the joint laboratory at the University of Twente. At a later stage, experiments are also planned at the Siemens Energy site in Berlin. The educational programme will have an in-depth and broadening character with ample attention for professional development and will be partly tailored to the design project.
High-performance switching equipment requires mechanisms that operate quickly and reliably when needed. This project focuses on a safety-critical mechanism in which a compact actuator triggers a series of cascaded levers. The system must withstand loads in the kilonewton range and operate in a timespan of a few milliseconds. The challenge offers a rich combination of precision engineering, dynamics and robust mechanical design.
Because such equipment may remain inactive for years, it must also operate reliably after long periods of standstill. The project explores whether compliant, flexure-based joints can provide a more predictable alternative to conventional interfaces by enabling motion through controlled elastic deformation. Candidates will have the opportunity to develop and validate innovative concepts that can contribute to a reliable future of dependable energy technology.
Relying on advanced designs of flexure-joints, the applicability of mechanisms with such joints has been increased steadily over the past decades. Their operation with low friction, hysteresis and wear can offer highly predictable and robust performance. However, one of the remaining challenges are applications where the parts and hence also the flexure-joints are exposed to high loads. For reliable operation, the unwanted deformations of the joints should remain small whereas compliance for the intended motion should not be sacrificed. In this way, high accelerations can be realised to enable fast motion.
The possible advantages are particularly evident when robustness has to be guaranteed in systems that should move reliably after being unused for a long time. Conventional sliding or rotation joints can stick, potentially compromising reliable operation. A more predictable and robust solution could be achieved by replacing conventional rotating bearings with flexure joints, which enable motion through elastic deformation and do not rely on sliding or rotating surfaces.
Project objective
The objective of this project is to investigate whether the conventional lever-based tripping mechanism can be replaced by a mechanism based on flexure joints. The proposed compliant mechanism must combine two challenging requirements: it must be capable of blocking motion under high loads, while also enabling an extremely fast release, preferably within several milliseconds.
The investigation will combine numerical modelling and mechanical design with experimental validation. Several mechanism concepts will be analysed to assess their feasibility, followed by the development and testing of a promising concept in a hardware prototype.
The project is structured into three design iterations:
1. In the first phase (8 months) proposed mechanism concepts should demonstrate their ability to block the motion of a part while being subjected to a high force as well as showing a fast release. Numerical analyses support the design evaluation. Hardware test identify strengths and weaknesses of the concepts.
2. The second phase (8 months) involves an iteration to use the lessons learned from the first design to design an improved concept. Furthermore, a larger range of operating conditions is considered, e.g. in terms of temperature range and vibrational loads.
3. The third phase (8 months) aims towards a product related design of the compliant mechanism, which is also tested at the facilities of Siemens Energy.
The assignment will be carried out at the University of Twente.
The candidate should preferably have a solid background in mechanics of materials and precision design of mechanisms. The candidate should be able to collaborate with other members of the multidisciplinary research team at the UT, as well as with design and manufacturing engineers at Siemens Energy.
Information and application
Please submit your application before October 30th, 2026 and include:
• A cover letter of at most 1 page A4, explaining specific interests, the motivation for the application, and why you qualify for this project.
• A full Curriculum Vitae, including contact information for at least two academic references
• Transcripts from your Bachelor and/or Master degrees
If you have any further questions about this vacancy or the EngD programme in Robotics, please contact dr. ir. R.G.K.M. Aarts and prof. dr. ir. D.M. Brouwer EngD (Email: r.g.k.m.aarts@utwente.nl and d.m.brouwer@utwente.nl)
The first-round interviews will take place online in week 47 of 2026. The interviews will be conducted by Dr. Aarts, Prof. Brouwer.
A screening is part of the procedure.
About the organisation
At the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET), we work on engineering for impact: developing smart, sustainable, human-centred and technological solutions for societal challenges. We connect fundamental education, research and practice across five core domains: Asset & Maintenance engineering, Intelligent Manufacturing Systems, Personalised Health Technology, Resilience Engineering, and Sustainable Production, Energy and Resources.
We work on education and research in mechanical engineering, civil engineering and industrial design engineering. Together, we learn by making, creating, and innovating, addressing challenges in a solution-oriented way. Quality, connection and inclusivity are the foundation of our culture.
In our open community, students, researchers and staff collaborate with industrial and societal partners. This enables us to develop insights, applications and solutions that add value to society.
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