Postdoc Aerodynamic Drag Reduction for Electric Aircraft

Keeping it cool: reducing drag and improving thermal management for electric aircraft by optimization of integrated propulsion unit aerodynamics.

Job description

The project addresses an urgent challenge in the aviation sector: decarbonising short-haul regional flights with routes up to 1,000km. Today, these account for nearly half of global departures and over 19% of aviation emissions, yet there is still no scalable, zero-emission solution for this segment. Battery-electric propulsion stands out as the most viable path to net-zero regional aviation, within a relevant timeframe. Conventional fuel-based aircraft have sufficient range to cover regional routes with ease. For electric aircraft however, reducing aerodynamic drag directly translates to increased usable range, expanding market reach.

Electric propulsion systems open up opportunities for novel configurations and capabilities. This project focuses on the development, application, and validation of tools which allow the designer to fully exploit electric propulsion capabilities when considering the integration of the wing-nacelle-propeller-heat exchanger (IPU) system. This IPU system is a key determinant of drag, as well as thermal and propulsor efficiency. The project explores novel design solutions for the IPU system, including validation through high-fidelity wind-tunnel and numerical simulations.

This post-doc position focuses on the development of reduced order models for rapid design space exploration of integrated propulsion system arrangements. These models, trained on higher fidelity data, allow for the accurate prediction of lift and drag characteristics, including laminar-turbulent transition and separation line prediction. The models will be applied to a distributed electric propulsion concept, with the most promising configurations adapted into a modular wind tunnel test model by project partners.

Because of the strong impact of the work on the overall project, frequent discussions are foreseen with project partners from industry and research centers.

About the team

The position is based in the Flow Physics and Technology department, with involvement from both the Flight Performance and Propulsion and Aerodynamics sections. The successful applicant will be part of international teams working on propulsion integration aerodynamics and flow control. These teams consist of PhD researchers, post-doctoral researchers, and professors. We approach problems in a horizontal “team spirit” and continuously traverse boundaries between theory, simulations, and experiments towards understanding fluid flows and using this understanding to propose novel design solutions. We strive for a cocreative and stimulating environment where we can develop our skills as a scientist, team member and teacher. We place great emphasis on a collegial working environment where everyone is welcome and encouraged to shape their own track. We like to know about everyone’s research project and try to help and learn from each other’s problems to boost our scientific and personal growth.

Job requirements

You should meet the following requirements:

• PhD degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering focused on fluid mechanics
• Good track record in BSc, MSc, and PhD degrees
• Proficiency in the English language, both oral and written
• Proven experience with work in research projects with internal and external partners
• Enthusiastic about working in an energetic team and in close collaboration with project partners

The following skills are also highly appreciated:

• Affinity with aircraft aerodynamics, propulsion aerodynamics, and transition theory and modelling
• Experience with numerical simulations of propeller aerodynamics, parameterization techniques, optimization methods

TU Delft

Delft University of Technology is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society.

Faculty Aerospace Engineering

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is a leading international community where innovation in aerospace meets global challenges. Our support and scientific staff, including PhD candidates, postdocs, and students, largely work together on three main themes: the energy transition, sustainable aerospace, and safety and security, with the aim of tackling climate change and contributing to the independence and security of Europe.

When you join us, you become part of a diverse, collaborative, and forward-thinking environment where your ideas and perspectives are valued. Our work extends beyond the lab—into field labs, innovation hubs, and partnerships with other faculties, research institutes, governments, and industry, both locally and globally.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 2 yeras Temporary
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.