PhD Position on Nonlinear Vibration and Frictional Energy Dissipation in Structural Joints

Combine theory, modeling, and experiments to uncover how friction governs nonlinear vibration and damping in assembled structures.

Many high-performance structures, from spacecraft to offshore structures, rely on assembled components that inherently exhibit complex frictional interfaces. These joints play a critical role in vibration damping and energy dissipation, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood and difficult to model. This NWO-funded project aims to develop new theoretical and experimental frameworks to identify and characterize friction damping in assembled systems, bridging the gap between microscale friction phenomena and macroscale structural dynamics.

As a PhD candidate, you will focus on the identification and modeling of friction damping and energy dissipation in assembled structures. Your work will combine theoretical modeling, numerical simulation, and experimental validation.

Key objectives can include:

• Developing theoretical and computational models for friction?'induced damping in joints and interfaces.
• Formulating identification strategies to extract damping parameters from experimental data.
• Linking microscale frictional behavior to macroscale dynamic response through nonlinear modeling.
• Designing and conducting controlled experiments to validate and calibrate models.
• Collaborating closely with industrial partners to apply findings to representative aerospace and mechanical assemblies.

Your research will contribute to advancing predictive tools for vibration reduction in high performance structures, crucial for structural, aerospace and offshore engineering applications.

The research will be carried out within a multidisciplinary team of three researchers (two PhDs and one Postdoc), and in close collaboration with major industrial and research partners, including ESA (European Space Agency), Airbus, Rolls?'Royce, and NRL (Netherlands Aerospace Centre). Besides the aerospace sector, the research group is also involved on projects with partners from the Offshore sector, dealing with similar challenges.

As a PhD candidate, you will be enrolled in the section of Mechanics and Physics of Structures, which is part of the Department of Engineering Structures. The guiding principle of the section is to seek a stronger link between curiosity?' and application?'driven research directions. What we offer as a group is the following:

• A fully funded 4?'year PhD position under NWO framework.
• Supervision by an experienced, interdisciplinary team at TU Delft and the University of Twente.
• World?'class collaboration with industrial leaders (ESA, Airbus, Rolls?'Royce, NLR).
• A dynamic, international research environment with opportunities for conference participation.
• Competitive salary and employment conditions according to the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Universities (CAO?'NU).

The Department of Engineering Structures focuses on the development of resilient, smart and sustainable structures and infrastructures. Our aim is to meet societal demands in transportation, the energy transition and sustainable reuse. Research themes include dynamics of structures, mechanics of materials related to e.g. Climate change, modelling and design of railway systems, multi?'scale modelling of pavement materials and structures, reuse of materials, structures and parts of structures, assessment methods for structures, smart monitoring techniques, design methods, replacement and renovation of civil infrastructure and development of new materials and maintenance techniques. Our unique Macro Mechanics Laboratory facilities support full?'scale testing, monitoring and modelling of structures to facilitate implementation of innovations. The department delivers both groundbreaking research and world?'class education for undergraduate and graduate students. As a team, we represent different backgrounds, skills and views. We foster an inclusive culture, as our combined identities, attitudes and ambitions widen our perspective and make up our strengths.

Need to have:

• MSc in Structural Engineering (provided the MSc thesis was on a topic related to Dynamics and Vibration), Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics or Applied Mathematics
• Demonstrable experience (either MSc project/thesis or work?'related) on developing analytical and/or numerical models for dynamic systems (through scripting/coding).
• Critical thinking and inventive skills
• English proficiency as specified at PhD Admission.

Nice to have:

• A preference for working in and with a multi cultural and multi?'disciplinary team (see TU Delft Code of Conduct for what you may expect from your colleagues and what is expected from you in return: TU Delft Code of Conduct).
• Demonstrable experience and/or a good attitude towards experimental/laboratory activities.

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world?'famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft 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. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem?'solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced of the importance of open science and supports its scientists in integrating open science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.

here to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4?'year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline?'related and research skills.

is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Please submit the following documents:

• CV
• Cover/motivation letter explaining your interest and your qualifications for this position, and how your skills match the requirements.
• MSc degree.
• 300 words abstract of your MSc thesis.
• Contact details of two persons who can provide references.
• Transcripts containing grades from your MSc program.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English?'taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

If your MSc diploma and transcript are not in Dutch, English, French or German and you will be the selected candidate, the TU Delft will ask you to deliver a certified translation in case you will be appointed.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre?'employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.