PhD Position on Life Cycle Assessment for Design of Structures

This PhD position focuses on developing life-cycle assessment methodologies compatible with structural design and the energy transition in aviation.

Challenge: Develop LCA methodologies compatible with structural design and the energy transition in aviation

Change: Design paradigm beyond lightweight

Impact: More sustainable aircraft structures

Job description

This PhD position is part of the Dutch Aviation Systems Analysis Lab (DASAL) project, a collaboration between TU Delft and Royal NLR within the Dutch Luchtvaart in Transitie programme. DASAL develops computational and simulation models to assess the effects of aviation innovations and policy choices on sustainability, economic, and societal impact.

The life-cycle impact of conventional and commercial aircraft is largely driven by fuel efficiency, given the large number of flight hours these vehicles accumulate. From a structural design perspective, this efficiency primarily translates into lightweighting, driving most current research toward lighter structures. However, the energy transition in aviation poses new scenarios that may affect this relationship between life-cycle impact and fuel efficiency. For instance, the use of green hydrogen as a low-emission fuel might bring other life-cycle aspects beyond fuel efficiency to the forefront, potentially introducing significant changes in the design principles for novel structures. Additionally, hybrid and electric aircraft will require unprecedented levels of maintenance related to battery exchange, which will also drive structural designs towards easier-to-maintain options.

The LCA community uses life-cycle analysis as a decision-making method rather than a quantitative objective function, yet designs are usually defined by quantitative indicators, such as the mass of the system, costs to acquire and process raw materials, and costs to manufacture the designed parts. Therefore, this PhD research will have the challenge of defining structural design-compatible LCA methods that are accurate enough to produce the minimum level of certainty compatible with conceptual and preliminary design phases, and enable a good trade-off.

Furthermore, to answer some of the research questions, the PhD researcher might need to define experiments aimed at refining some of the LCA assumptions or data that will be considered critical during the research.

Preliminary research questions for the PhD project are:

1. While traditionally structural design in aerospace focuses on lightweighting, what other life-cycle design focal points can be expected with currently intended transitions in aerospace, including the use of hydrogen, hybrid and electric aircraft?
2. How to create LCA scenarios to evaluate technologies that could enable breakthroughs in sustainable structural design?
3. The above questions will be further refined, and more research questions will be defined by the PhD candidate in the first months of their research.

In addition to the main project, you may contribute to educational and ongoing research initiatives within the group, leveraging your expertise. You will also have the opportunity to explore and develop your own ideas and research directions.

The first supervisor of this PhD position will be an Assistant Professor dedicated to life-cycle assessment for structures, and the promotor will be Irene Fernandez Villegas, Associate Professor, both working in the Department of Aerospace Structures and Materials within the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology.

Job requirements

You must have:

• A master’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong interest in structural design, sustainability, life-cycle analysis, and experimental testing.
• The capacity to work independently and as a team member.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate with researchers from different disciplines.
• A good level of English proficiency and social skills to work effectively with academic, industrial and project stakeholders.

The outcomes of this project will be disseminated to the scientific community, industrial stakeholders and a general audience through presentations at national and international conferences, publications in peer-reviewed journals, and project meetings. You will also participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, write scientific articles and prepare a final thesis. Additionally, you may be involved in training and teaching MSc students.

TU Delft

Delft University of Technology is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers 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. Staff, including PhD candidates, postdocs, and students, 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 the faculty, you become part of a diverse, collaborative, and forward-thinking environment where your ideas and perspectives are valued. The work extends beyond the lab into field labs, innovation hubs, and partnerships with other faculties, research institutes, governments, and industry, both locally and globally. You don’t just join the faculty — you join a community where you can thrive, grow, and help shape the future of aerospace.