PhD Position Aerodynamics and Aeroelasticity of Extra-Large Wind Turbines

The energy transition necessitates a substantial expansion of wind energy, requiring a six-fold increase in the current installed wind energy capacity. Increased turbine sizes with larger rotor diameters that capture more wind power are an important cost reduction driver. It is foreseen that the rated capacity of OWTs will continue to grow, exceeding 25MW (over 350m rotor diameter) in the next five to ten years based on the current OWT design trends.
This PhD project is part of the NEXTgenT (NEXT generation of over 25MW offshore wind Turbine rotor design) MSCA Doctoral Networks Our goal is to train next generation of young engineers to understand technical and theoretical limits and challenge to design a next generation of over 25MW (25+MW) OWT rotor systems. This will be achieved by advancing the technologies, theories, numerical tools, and design methods. 
The objective of this PhD position is to understand and modelling 3D unsteady aerodynamics and aeroelasticity of the extra-large wind turbine rotors. It will focus on:

• Understand the challenges of the aerodyanmic and aeroelastic design of the extra-large rotors;
• Developing novel unsteady 3D induction models;
• Dynamic testing of a scaled-down wind turbine in a wind tunnel;
• Validating the models at different scales under different operational conditions.

Being part of a MSCA Doctoral Network, you will have the opportunity to meet regularly and work closely with a group of your fellow PhD candidates, a distributed team of experts, both from academia and wind industry located all across Europe. You will also have the opportunity for two secondments (3 months each) in one industrial partner and one academic partner in the the NEXTgenT Doctoral Network..

Requirements:

The candidate should have an MSc degree in wind energy from a well-established university or an MSc degree in related engineering disciplines such as mechanical engineering, fluid dynamics, applied physics, or applied mathematics with proven experience (courses, projects, and work experience) in the field of wind engineering.
A combination of good mathematical and analytical skills and a strong interest in numerical and experimental aerodynamics/aeroelasticity are required. Experience with numerical and experimental techniques in aerodynamics or fluid dynamics is preferred.
Eligibility criteria
Fulfilment of eligibility criteria is dictated by the European Commission under the Horizon MSCA Doctoral Networks Programme. We welcome applications from PhD candidates from any country fulfilling the following mobility criteria:

• Eligible candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of their first host institution for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before their recruitment by the host institution (i.e., the starting date indicated in the employment contract/equivalent direct contract).
• Eligible candidates must have a master’s degree relevant to the chosen position or its equivalent that would entitle them to a doctorate, awarded before the start of the positions.

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.

Salary Benefits:

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 € 2770 per month in the first year to € 3539 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.
From 1 September next, a salary increase of 3.7% applies due to a Collective Agreement amendment, followed by an additional 1% increase on 1 January 2025. In addition, most employees employed on 1 September 2024 will receive a one-off payment of €300 gross based on full-time employment.
The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. 
For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

36 - 40 hours per week

Mekelweg 2