N​ame of job:

Postdoc Aerodynamic Testing of Integrated Nacelle / Wing Model for Future Aircraft

Company:

Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, TU Delft, The Netherlands

Location:

Kluyverweg 1, 2629 HS Delft, The Netherlands

Type of work:

Duration of contract is 32 months; a job of 32-38 hours per week.

Job description:

The aviation industry stands at the forefront of its highly-needed transition to sustainable operation. To achieve this, the aviation sector focusus on research and development (R&D) of new technologies that aid towards climinate neutral aviation. Within the Netherlands, the National Growth Fund project `Aviation in Transition’ created an incubator for the development of novel technologies, with the involvement of industry, research institutes, and universities. This particular vacancy is funded through this large project (sub-project HAPSS: Hydrogen Aircraft Powertrain and Storage Systems), and is concerned with the external aerodynamics of the nacelle/wing model.

Thermal management systems (TMS) continue to form a design bottleneck for fuel-cell driven aircraft. For regional aircraft, is is not uncommon for fuel-cell systems to produce in the order of 2 MW of heat per engine, particularly during take-off and top-of-climb. Heat exchangers are used to recover part of the energy of the wast heat: characterizing the aerodynamic pentalties associated with those is key to ensure the aerodynamic efficiency of the overall aircraft.

In the current project, we will focus on the external aerodynamic characterization of a wing model with installed nacelle, representative of the configuration to be used in future aircraft concepts employing fuel cells and the related thermal management systems. In this context, we are looking for a highly skilled and motivated PostDoc researcher who will works on several aspects related with the aerodynamic characterization of the system:

• Design and manufacture wing-nacelle models based on the provided nacelle/wing geometry. The models will be equipped with pressure ports for the measurement of the static surface pressure, from which the aerodynamic loads distributions will be retrieved. Additionally, the models will be equipped with a scaled active heat exchanger.
• Perform combined non-intrusive (full surface) and discrete sensor-based heat transfer and temperature measurements. The sensor measurements will be used to anchor the full surface temperature/heat transfer distributions. These will in turn be combined with flow field measurements, to assess the effectiveness of the heat exchange between flow and structure.
• Conduct force balance measurements for the evaluation of the aerodynamic loads (lift and drag) and moments of the wing-nacelle models at different Reynolds numbers and angles of attack.
• Perform large-scale Lagrangian Particle Tracking (LPT) measurements for the three-dimensional quantitative visualization of the flow field around the wing-nacelle models.

In your position, you will work closely with a young and energetic team which offers a stimulating and inclusive working environment for developing your research & academic skillset. We are looking for candidates at the post-doctoral level (PhD finished).

Eligibility:

We will consider applications based on the following skillsets. If you do not fullfil all requirements, please still apply (there is room for learning-on-the-job).

• A doctorate (PhD degree) with focus on experimental fluid mechanics (e.g., aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or applied physics);
• An aptitude for working in a team and excellent communication skills in spoken and written English;
• Fundamental knowledge of fluid mechanics and viscous fluid flows;
• Strong analytical skills;
• Knowledge of physics and math;
• Knowledge of mechanical design is an asset;
• Strong affinity with and background in design of experiments and experimental techniques;
• Background in Particle Image Velocimetry or Lagrangian Particle Tracking is an asset;
• Affinity with data processing techniques and programming (Matlab and/or Python);
• Hands on with lab-work, skilled in experimental design and hardware construction;
• Creativity, assertive attitude, and perseverance

The selection process will start immediately; the intended start date is in May 2025.

What we offer:

Salary range:  €3378 - €5331;Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. 

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Application submission:

D​eadline:9th April 2025

Please apply via the application button available here