PhD Position on Nonlinear Vibration and Frictional Energy Dissipation in Structural Joints

Combine theory, modeling, and experiments to uncover how friction governs nonlinear vibration and damping in assembled structures.

Many high-performance structures, from spacecraft to offshore structures, rely on assembled components that inherently exhibit complex frictional interfaces. These joints play a critical role in vibration damping and energy dissipation, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood and difficult to model. This NWO-funded project aims to develop new theoretical and experimental frameworks to identify and characterize friction damping in assembled systems, bridging the gap between microscale friction phenomena and macroscale structural dynamics.

As a PhD candidate, you will focus on the identification and modeling of friction damping and energy dissipation in assembled structures. Your work will combine theoretical modeling, numerical simulation, and experimental validation.

Key objectives can include:

• Developing theoretical and computational models for friction-induced damping in joints and interfaces.
• Formulating identification strategies to extract damping parameters from experimental data.
• Linking microscale frictional behavior to macroscale dynamic response through nonlinear modeling.
• Designing and conducting controlled experiments to validate and calibrate models.
• Collaborating closely with industrial partners to apply findings to representative aerospace and mechanical assemblies.

Your research will contribute to advancing predictive tools for vibration reduction in high performance structures, crucial for structural, aerospace and offshore engineering applications.

The research will be carried out within a multidisciplinary team of three researchers (two PhDs and one Postdoc), and in close collaboration with major industrial and research partners, including ESA (European Space Agency), Airbus, Rolls-Royce, and NLR (Netherlands Aerospace Centre). Besides the aerospace sector, the research group is also involved in projects with partners from the Offshore sector, dealing with similar challenges.

As a PhD candidate, you will be enrolled in the section of Mechanics and Physics of Structures, which is part of the Department of Engineering Structures. The guiding principle of the section is to seek a stronger link between curiosity- and application-driven research directions. What we offer as a group is the following:

• A fully funded 4-year PhD position under the NWO framework.
• Supervision by an experienced, interdisciplinary team at TU Delft and the University of Twente.
• World-class collaboration with industrial leaders (ESA, Airbus, Rolls-Royce, NLR).
• A dynamic, international research environment with opportunities for conference participation.
• Competitive salary and employment conditions according to the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Universities (CAO-NU).

The Department of Engineering Structures focuses on the development of resilient, smart and sustainable structures and infrastructures. Our aim is to meet societal demands in transportation, the energy transition and sustainable reuse. Research themes include dynamics of structures, mechanics of materials related to climate change, modelling and design of railway systems, multi-scale modelling of pavement materials and structures, reuse of materials, structures and parts of structures, assessment methods for structures, smart monitoring techniques, design methods, replacement and renovation of civil infrastructure and development of new materials and maintenance techniques. Our unique Macro Mechanics Laboratory facilities support full-scale testing, monitoring and modelling of structures to facilitate implementation of innovations. The department delivers both groundbreaking research and world-class education for undergraduate and graduate students. As a team, we represent different backgrounds, skills and views.

Job Requirements

Need to have:

• MSc in Structural Engineering (provided the MSc thesis was on a topic related to Dynamics and Vibration), Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics or Applied Mathematics.
• Demonstrable experience (either MSc project/thesis or work-related) on developing analytical and/or numerical models for dynamic systems (through scripting/coding).
• Critical thinking and inventive skills.
• English proficiency as specified at PhD Admission.

Nice to have:

• A preference for working in and with a multicultural and multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrable experience and/or a good attitude towards experimental/laboratory activities.

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.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

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.

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

Additional Information

For more information about this vacancy, please contact our secretariat, secr-es-citg@tudelft.nl, or Dr. Alessandro Cabboi, A.Cabboi@tudelft.nl.