PhD Position Full-scale Wind Over Deck Measurements for Drone Operations

Full Scale Wind over Deck Measurements

Job description

For the efficient and safe deployment of flying (marine) drones, Ship-Unmanned Aircraft System Operational Limitations (SHUASOL) must be determined. These SHUASOLs are strongly influenced by the wind field above the helideck and around ships. These wind fields are simulated on model scale as standard. For helicopters, the real limits are then determined by a test flight by an experienced test pilot. For small flying drones, these test flights are more challenging since gusts of wind have a greater impact on them. In addition, the goal is to allow drones to fly autonomously without interference from test pilots. That is why knowledge of the real wind fields around a ship and the validation of simulations of these wind fields is extra important.

In this PhD project, you will design and perform full-scale imaging measurements (particle/bubble tracking velocimetry) of the wind field at the landing deck of a marine vessel. The main goal will be to analyse the full-scale wind field, and particularly the structure and magnitude of wind gusts, relevant to flying drone operations at sea, and assess how well model-scale measurements and existing numerical simulations can match these measurements. Additionally, you will explore the limitations of such techniques in full-scale conditions, with respect to measurement volumes and resolution, as well as calibration and flow seeding.

You will be part of a vibrant team of international researchers within the Multiphase Systems and Fluid Mechanics groups of the Process & Energy Department. Additionally, you will get to spend time at the Netherlands Defence Academy (NLDA, Den Helder Campus), where the majority of the measurement campaigns will take place. You will receive all the necessary training you need to evolve as an independent researcher and you will be able to attend international conferences to present your work. Your supervisors will be Dr. Angeliki Laskari and Dr. Gerrit Elsinga from the Process & Energy Department at TU Delft and Dr. Roeland de Kat from NLDA.

Job requirements

You have a strong interest in experimental fluid dynamics and are motivated to push the boundaries of measurement techniques for full-scale measurements. You also have the following qualifications:

• MSc degree in mechanical, maritime, or aerospace engineering, or a closely related field.
• Strong background in fluid mechanics.
• Experimental experience of flow measurements in a wind or water tunnel will be considered an advantage.
• Strong mathematical/computational background (Matlab, Python).
• Fluent communication skills in English, both written and oral.
• For non-native speakers, this can be proven through IELTS or TOEFL, or by showing that you have attended a master’s programme fully taught in English.

Note that English proficiency is a hard constraint for all PhD candidates at TU Delft. Background screening will be part of the hiring process.

TU Delft

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional.

Working at TU Delft means joining an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty Mechanical Engineering

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months, followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.