Graduation Internship | Collision crashworthiness of nuclear-powered ships

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Graduation Internship | Collision crashworthiness of nuclear-powered ships

About this position

This graduation internship focuses on the collision crashworthiness of nuclear-powered ships, a topic with a direct impact on the safety of future maritime systems. There is a growing interest in new forms of propulsion to make ships cleaner and more self-sufficient. Nuclear propulsion can play a role in this, but it also places high demands on the safety of the ship and its surroundings.

You will work with our team to address the question of how a ship with a nuclear power source can remain safe in the event of a collision. What happens to the structure? Which components are vulnerable? And how can design choices contribute to a more robust and safer ship? In addition, the research focuses on the quantification of risks. What is the probability of a collision, and what are the consequences? This involves examining the probability of failure of critical systems, water ingress in the vicinity of the nuclear system, and the risk of sinking. Probabilistic analyses are used to gain insight into the failure probabilities and the design’s sensitivity to various scenarios.

Through your research, you will contribute to the knowledge needed to responsibly assess and develop innovative ship concepts.

What will be your role?

During this graduation internship, you will investigate how a nuclear-powered ship behaves in the event of a collision. You will examine which collision scenarios are relevant, which parts of the ship are vulnerable, and how the ship’s structure can contribute to safety. You will combine literature research with calculations and numerical analyses, using tools such as Python, MATLAB and finite element software.

Your tasks will include:

• Identifying relevant collision scenarios for nuclear-powered ships.
• Setting up or adapting a computational model for structural collision analyses.
• Translating results into probabilistic design principles and safety insights.

Through your work, you will contribute to a larger project investigating how nuclear ship concepts can be designed safely and responsibly. You will learn how technical analyses are applied to a socially relevant safety issue, how to break down complex problems into investigable scenarios, and how to translate results into actionable conclusions for design and assessment.

What we expect from you

We are looking for a student with a background in maritime engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, aerospace engineering or a similar technical degree. You have an interest in ship structures, safety and the analysis of complex technical issues. You are curious and able to work independently within a multidisciplinary environment.

Desired experience:

• Experience with finite element modelling (e.g. Abaqus, Ansys or similar software).
• Knowledge of strength of materials, structural mechanics and dynamics.
• Basic programming skills (Python, MATLAB or similar languages).
• You are in the final stage of your degree in civil engineering, marine engineering or aerospace engineering (or a similar degree).

What you'll get in return

An internship at TNO means working in an environment where substance and impact are central. You will become part of a knowledge organisation where research and practice come together, and where experts collaborate on solutions to current societal and technological challenges.

Your internship is a period in which you can discover what suits you, where your strengths lie and what you would like to learn next. You are part of a professional working environment, gain insight into how things work in practice, and have the opportunity to build experience that goes beyond this internship alone. For many students, an internship is therefore also a first step in discovering whether TNO could be a potential next step after graduation.

In addition, we offer you:

• A professional and innovative internship environment in which you actively contribute to societal and technological challenges, working alongside leading experts in your field.
• Personal and dedicated supervision, with focus on your learning objectives, development and study assignment.
• Room to develop: you gain relevant work experience, develop both your subject-specific and professional skills, and build a valuable network.
• Use of a laptop and the facilities you need to perform your work effectively.
• A monthly internship allowance of € 615 for a full-time internship, for MSc, BSc and vocational education (MBO) students.
• Up to eight hours of leave per internship month for a full-time internship, allowing you to balance your internship with your studies and personal life.
• A contribution towards travel expenses if you are not entitled to a student travel card.
• A free membership to Jong TNO: the network for young colleagues, where you can meet other TNO colleagues and participate in sports activities, professional and personal development activities, and social events such as the annual ski trip.

TNO as an employer

Our people are at the heart of TNO. Their curiosity, expertise and entrepreneurial mindset make it possible to deliver high-impact research and innovations that contribute to society’s sustainable wellbeing and prosperity. That is why we invest in an inspiring and inclusive working environment where colleagues can excel, have autonomy and continue to grow.

Your talent and ambition have every opportunity to flourish at TNO. You work with experts (both within and beyond TNO), have access to advanced technology and the freedom to explore, experiment and innovate. Our strength lies in independence, reliability and collaboration.