Challenge: Estimate the remaining fatigue life of "green steel"
Change: Improve a magnetic non-destructive testing methodology
Impact: Enhance maintenance strategies and certification
Job description
Join a cutting-edge research project aimed at advancing our understanding of the endurance of newly developed steel types, produced using innovative, low-carbon production methods. A key concern for the structural integrity of constructions made with these green steels-such as bridges or wind turbine support structures-is their (remaining) resistance to fatigue loading. This project explores how different production techniques affect the fatigue performance of these new steel types. The primary goal is to further develop a novel magnetic non-destructive testing (NDT) method to estimate the remaining fatigue life based on the magnetic field naturally generated by the steel structures in use without functional disruption. This project will establish a new framework to enhance maintenance strategies and certification.
Key responsibilities:
- Conduct standardised fatigue tests on steel specimens, including base materials and butt-welded connections monitored by various technologies (magnetic field, acoustic emission, DIC).
- Further develop a non-destructive testing (NDT) methodology using Metal Magnetic Memory (MMM) to assess fatigue life in situ.
- Establish S-N curves to compare fatigue performance with conventional steel grades.
- Contribute to a fatigue database to support new maintenance strategies and certification.
We are looking for an ambitious PhD candidate to join the exciting and collaborative research project which is a part of the Dutch National Growth Fund program - Grow with Green Steel (. This national initiative brings together industrial and academic partners to use sustainable, carbon-free steelmaking solutions in market-driven applications. The project takes a comprehensive approach, examining every stage in the lifecycle of steel : from production and processing to use and recycling. As a PhD candidate, you will work in a stimulating academic environment together with TU/e and TNO, and collaborate with leading steel producers (Dillinger, Tata Steel).
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.
Job requirements
- MSc in Civil, Mechanical, or Materials Engineering, or a related field.
- A background in structural mechanics, fatigue analysis, and experiments.
- Interest in advanced sensor technologies.
- Excellent analytical skills, initiative, inventiveness, curiosity, and critical thinking.
- Ability to work with scientific and industrial partners.
- Strong communication skills (high English proficiency), team player in diverse cultural environment.
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.
Challenge. Change. Impact!
Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences
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.
to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.
Conditions of employment
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.
Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 per month in the first year to €3881 in the fourth year. 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.
The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.
Coming to Delft ServiceDual Career Programme
Additional information