Advanced Numerical and Experimental Analysis of Fatigue Behaviour in Structural Materials

Job title:

Advanced Numerical and Experimental Analysis of Fatigue Behaviour in Structural Materials

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Job description

Offer DescriptionStructural failure in the aerospace sector presents significant safety risks to passengers and substantial financial burdens for operators and manufacturers. Ensuring the structural integrity of aircraft is therefore critical, with a significant portion of operational costs dedicated to rigorous ground inspections throughout an aircraft’s lifecycle. These inspections are designed to detect and mitigate potential failures before they evolve into severe issues. However, current methods are expensive and time-consuming. The FailProof research project addresses this challenge by developing advanced techniques for online detection and characterization of minor failures in aircraft structures. Conducted in close collaboration with industrial partners such as ASCO, Brussels Airlines, and Embraer, the project aims to enhance safety while reducing maintenance costs. This PhD project focuses on the advanced numerical modeling and experimental investigation of fatigue fracture behavior in metallic fuselage stiffened panels subjected to representative fuselage fatigue spectra. By integrating and validating simulation results with experimental data, the project seeks to refine and enhance the accuracy of numerical models, ensuring their applicability in real-world aerospace structural assessments. This dual approach-combining numerical simulations with experimental validation-aims to create a robust framework for predicting the remaining useful fatigue life of aircraft structures, thereby enabling more effective and efficient monitoring and maintenance.Where to apply WebsiteRequirementsResearch Field Engineering Education Level Master Degree or equivalentLanguages ENGLISH Level ExcellentAdditional InformationBenefits

• We offer a fully funded full-time PhD position for 4 years.
• The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the rules for PhD students at KU Leuven.
• You will have opportunities to attend and present your research at major international conferences, as well as publish scientific papers in the relevant journals.
• Upon completion of the research project and successful PhD defense, you will be awarded a PhD in Engineering Technology.

Eligibility criteriaThe successful PhD candidate will play a pivotal role in advancing numerical modeling techniques and conducting experimental fatigue and impact testing. This position involves close collaboration with two other PhD students and a postdoctoral researcher within the FailProof project.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following qualifications and skills:Educational Background:

• A Master’s degree in Electromechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Physics, or a related field, with excellent academic performance (minimum distinction).

Research Interests:

• A strong passion for multidisciplinary research in mechanical and materials engineering.
• Interest in topics such as impact dynamics, fatigue, fracture mechanics, finite element modeling, Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM), Continuum Damage Mechanics (CDM), and mechanical testing.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in finite element analysis software, particularly ABAQUS.
• Competence in programming languages such as Fortran and Python.

Personal Attributes:

• Enthusiastic, self-motivated, and capable of meeting the academic requirements for a PhD at KU Leuven.
• An inquisitive and rigorous approach to research.
• Strong communication skills, with a willingness to collaborate with industrial stakeholders.
• Open-mindedness, teamwork, and a commitment to mobility.

Language Proficiency:

• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.

Availability:

• Ready to start the position within the next six months.

This opportunity offers the chance to contribute to cutting-edge research in aerospace engineering, while working within a dynamic, interdisciplinary team at KU Leuven.Selection processVul contactpersonen aan in stap 1 “Context vacature” en hergenereer deze tekst.
You can apply for this job no later than 28/02/2025 via theWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute KU Leuven Country Belgium State/Province Oost-Vlaanderen City Gent Postal Code 9000 Street Gent GeofieldContact State/ProvinceGent CityOost-Vlaanderen StreetGent Postal Code9000 E-Mailreza.talemi@kuleuven.beSTATUS: EXPIREDShare this page

Expected salary

Location

Gand, Flandre-Orientale

Job date

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 03:45:51 GMT

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