Postdoc on Evaluation of an Alternative Heating Source for Automated Fibre Placement

Automated Fibre Placement (AFP) is one of the methods currently used to produce composite structures in an automated fashion. When using thermoplastic materials, in-situ consolidation can be achieved when using a laser as a heating source. However, lasers are a big investment and comes with safety concerns. An alternative heating method, using pulsed light, has been developed recently. The advantages are that the safety concerns are not as high and would thus allow easier implementation in an industrial environment, while it delivers highly controllable heat to the process area.

The goal of this project is to investigate the possibilities of using pulsed light as an alternative heat source to achieve in-situ consolidation for thermoplastic composite material in automated fibre placement. The research will be conducted at SAM XL (SAMXL): they will take care of the integration of the heating system on their robot, but the correct operation and manufacturing parameters definition is to be investigated within this project. The technology evaluation should include (but is not limited to) microstructural characterisation, structural characterisation and determining bounds on the manufacturing parameters used during automated fibre placement (i.e., manufacturing envelope). For this research the HUMM3 heating system will be utilized. You will spend time both at the faculty of aeropace engineering and SAM XL.

This position is part of the mobiliteitsfonds RDM-LH2 and will be jointly supervised by Daniël Peeters, Julie Teuwen both part of the Aerospace Structures and Materials section, and a representatives of SAM XL.

We are looking for an enthusiastic researcher with excellent qualifications with a PhD degree (or equivalent) in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related subject.

Affinity with experimental work relating to composite manufacturing is strongly preferred. Experience with research on thermoplastic composites is a big plus.

You should have a very good command of English language, in direct communication as well as writing skills and should enjoy working in an interdisciplinary environment.

You are expected to publish scientific articles and participate in international conferences.

For this position a knowledge embargo may be necessary, you should be able to obtain one before the contract can be officially signed if necessary. 

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!

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (based on scale 10: € 2.960,00 - € 4.670,00). The employment contract is for 2 years and the position is for 36-40 hours per week. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Daniël Peeters, email: d.m.j.peeters@tudelft.nl. For more information about the recruitment process, please contact recruitment-LR@tudelft.nl.