Internship | High Speed Data Processing for Rotating Detonation Engines

Internship | High Speed Data Processing for Rotating Detonation Engines

Rotating detonation engines (RDEs) are a novel type of aerospace engine that uses detonation to burn fuel. This makes RDEs up to 15% more efficient than most conventional engines, which use deflagration to burn fuel. RDEs have started to gain increasing attention from the research community in the last 15 years. While geometrically simple, the flow physics of the detonation process are extremely complex. As a result, there is still much unknown about the behaviour and performance of RDEs. TNO has been working on RDEs since 2023, extensively testing a modular hydrogen-air RDE. During these tests a lot of high speed data is recorded, and the purpose of this internship is to develop tooling to analyse this data.

What will be your role?

During a test one or multiple detonation waves propagate around the engine in varying direction(s), at a frequency of multiple kiloHertz. In some cases acoustic coupling can also take place between different sections of the engine. To determine this behaviour, various high speed data signals are acquired during a test.
You will be developing analysis tools and methods for this data, with a focus on high speed pressure measurements and high speed camera data. This involves analysis of literature to determine the best data processing approaches, implementing these approaches in flexible tools and applying these techniques to existing RDE test data. Additionally, you will be able to improve the diagnostic setup used for RDE experiments at TNO. You will perform this assignment in TNO’s Energetic Materials department. In the department you will work together with a team of aeropropulsion experts with both experimental and numerical backgrounds, and in doing so gain a detailed understanding of Rotating Detonation Engines and aeropropulsion development more generally.

What we expect from you

You are currently pursuing a Master’s degree in data/computer science, mechanical/aerospace engineering or a related field. You have experience with signals processing and programming in Python and/or Matlab. An interest in aerospace propulsion or flow physics is preferred. You are eager to dig into challenging problems and are able to work independently.

What you'll get in return

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

TNO as an employer

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world.
At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society.

More information about this vacancy?

• Tim Roos
  • E-mailadres: tim.roos@tno.nl