The Aviation Academy of the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences/ Hogeschool van Amsterdam (AUAS/HvA) has a vacancy for a PhD candidate in the area of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) of composites. The candidate will investigate new methods for monitoring large surface areas of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastics CFRP by ultrasound with a limited number of sensors. One such method has been devised by the University of Amsterdam. The candidate will conduct laboratory trials (and later field trials) to determine the feasibility of this approach for aerospace applications. Initial tests will be conducted with homogenous materials such as aluminum. Depending on the intermediate results, other domains and/or other methods will be included in the study. The PhD candidate is also expected to assist in teaching and supervising of undergraduates. The education related activities can take up to twenty percent of the candidate’s working time.
Description
Requirements
We are looking for a candidate with a MSc in for example material sciences, applied physics or aerospace engineering. You have extensive experience in executing laboratory experiments on materials and knowledge in the area of electronics (measuring systems, hardware, calibration techniques), software (Labview) and ultrasonic sensors for material sciences. Demonstrable interest in, and experience with, wave propagation modelling (Matlab, Comsol) is an advantage.
Department
The Aviation Academy of the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences aims to improve innovation in aviation by bridging the gap between research universities and practice. We work together with the industry and different academic institutions in a variety of countries to execute research and to offer highly reputable educational programs at both Bachelor and Professional Master level. The research group of the Aviation Academy consists of about twenty researchers focusing on four aviation themes: capacity optimization, process optimization of maintenance, human factors and safety and condition monitoring of composites. For more information see www.hva.nl/aviation.
About the method
Ultrasonic Verification is a new method for the monitoring large surface areas of CFRP by ultrasound with few sensors. The echo response of a transmitted pulse through the structure is compared with the response of an earlier obtained reference signal to calculate a fidelity parameter. A change in fidelity over time is indicative for a new defect in the structure. The required vibrations to detect possible damage propagate in surface waves (including Lamb waves). The different Lamb modes contain information regarding the material and the type of damage (a.o. surface damage versus delamination). By increasing the measurement accuracy, and by anticipating on the varying surrounding conditions, it is possible to increase the applicability of this new concept. Also it will be possible to detect the limitations of this method when applied in the field. By comparing the results of the non-destructive tests with destructive material tests, it is possible to obtain deeper insight in the underlying physics. This will eventually result in a detection technique, which makes it possible to investigate composite materials quicker and more cheaply, and on a larger scale in comparison to conventional techniques. The resulting detection technique, can be applied within the aerospace sector, as well as for wind energy systems, and other sectors where composite materials are used frequently.
Information
For any questions about this position please contact R.J. de Boer (Robert Jan) PhD, MSc, Professor of Aviation Engineering, Aviation Academy via vacatures@hva.nl (not to be used for applications) or by phone +31 (0)6 2115 6269.
Or visit: www.hva.nl/vacatures.
Nr of positions available : 1
Research Fields
Engineering - Aerospace engineering
Career Stage
Early stage researcher or 0-4 yrs (Post graduate)
Research Profiles
First Stage Researcher (R1)