Internship | MSc graduation: Structural response of floating solar membrane

About this position

Floating solar technology offers a promising way to generate renewable energy without using valuable land space. Within the FlexFloat consortium, TU Delft, TNO and MARIN investigate large, flexible offshore membranes equipped with lightweight PV panels. By modelling and analyzing the structural response of these membranes under wave loading, the project aims to understand the motions and loads experienced by the panels. This knowledge supports manufacturers in designing robust offshore PV solutions and developing appropriate qualification test

What will be your role?

You will develop an FE model of the flexible floating membrane with integrated PV panels, enabling analysis of deformations and loads under wave-induced motion. Tasks include:

• Gathering or deriving material properties, possibly also addressing whether anisotropic behavior occurs, whether a non-linear stress-strain relationship is present, or assessing the sensitivity of the material properties on the structural behavior and loading on the solar panels.
• Applying simplified wave loading on the membrane.
• Validating the model against scale tests from the FlexFloat project.
• Depending on progress, the student may also compare results with TU Delft’s hydro‑structural models or explore simplified membrane–panel modelling approaches for large‑scale simulations.

What we expect from you

You are curious and comfortable working independently within a multidisciplinary environment. You also enjoy solving complex technical challenges and can translate engineering insights into practical conclusions. A structured working style, willingness to collaborate with partners from academia and industry, and an analytical mindset are essential to successfully contribute to this research. Affinity with offshore engineering, hydrodynamics, or renewable energy systems is a bonus.

Preferred experience:

• Experience with finite element modelling (e.g., Abaqus, Ansys, or similar).
• Familiarity with structural mechanics, composites, or flexible materials.
• Basic programming skills (Python, MATLAB, or comparable).
• Understanding of material characterization and stress–strain behavior.
• You are in the final stages of your degree in civil, maritime, or aerospace engineering (or a similar degree).

What you'll get in return

You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

TNO as an employer

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy.