PhD Position Propeller and Rudder Performance in Wind-assisted Ship Propulsion

Passionate about sustainable ship propulsion and hydrodynamics? Join us in optimizing propeller and rudder performance for wind-assisted ships! We’re seeking a motivated PhD researcher to numerically and experimentally investigate complex propeller-rudder interactions and develop advanced models for next-generation maritime technology.

Job description
As the maritime industry shifts towards greener solutions, wind-assisted ship propulsion is emerging as a key technology for reducing emissions. However, the integration of wind propulsion systems introduces new challenges for conventional propeller and rudder performance, requiring innovative approaches. The research will have a direct impact on reducing fuel consumption and emissions, supporting the transition to more environmentally friendly shipping.

For the successful implementation of wind-assisted propulsion systems it is essential to optimize not only the sails and wind propulsion system but also the conventional propulsion and steering systems. A significant challenge for these ships is that their propellers and rudders operate under a much wider range of conditions compared to traditional propulsion systems. The varying levels of wind assistance mean that the propeller must operate efficiently under low and high load conditions. The interaction of the propeller and rudder in such variable environments is complex, leading to uncertainties in ship manoeuvrability and performance.

This project will focus on the performance of propellers and rudders in off-design conditions, particularly in scenarios where the ship operates at drift angles and experiences varying advance ratios. Through a combination of numerical simulations and experimental validation, including advanced flow field measurement techniques, the aim is to develop a data-driven model that predicts the behaviour of the propeller-rudder system in wind-assisted propulsion conditions.

The primary tasks of the PhD involve:

1. Characterize the spectrum of propeller operating points under different design and off-design conditions for a representative parameter space through systematic CFD simulations
2. Investigate propeller-rudder interactions under varying inflow angles and advance ratios using both numerical simulations and advanced experimental techniques
3. Develop a data driven model to predict the performance of the integrated aft-ship, propeller, and rudder system under wind-assisted propulsion conditions, accounting for drag increases and side force compensation.

Job requirements
You should have:

• A Msc Degree in Maritime, Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics or related field;
• A strong interest in both numerical and experimental fluid dynamics;
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Self-driven attitude, creativity and autonomy;
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English, and collaboration skills.

The following will make you stand out:

• Experience in computational fluid dynamics, ideally with a background in maritime applications;
• Experience with data-driven modelling;
• Initial experience with experimental or laboratory work;
• Assertive student with a strong academic standing.
• We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds to enrich our dynamic and diverse research group.

Research Program: Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion
The maritime industry faces pressure to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, requiring strong collaboration with research and academia to develop innovative solutions. In response to this challenge, TU Delft launched a multi-disciplinary, interfaculty research program on Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion (WASP) focusing on three research themes: 1) Fluid dynamics, 2) Design and operation, and 3) Sustainable and societal impact. This PhD position is part of this program. We are a young, international and diverse team within the Faculties of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. We approach problems in a horizontal “team spirit” and continuously traverse boundaries between theory, simulations, and experiments.

We strive for a co-creative and stimulating environment where you can develop further skills as a scientist, team member and teacher. We place great emphasis on a collegial working environment where everyone is welcome and encouraged to shape a stimulating and impactful PhD track. In addition, given the multi-disciplinary nature of wind-assisted technologies, your research will contribute to other projects on different themes within the WASP program.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
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 Mechanical Engineering
From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

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 € 2872 per month in the first year to € 3670 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.

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.

Additional information
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Gunnar Jacobi, email: G.Jacobi@tudelft.nl or Dr. Daniele Fiscaletti, email: D.Fiscaletti@tudelft.nl.

For more information about the Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion programme in general, email: WASP-ME@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before 24 March 2025 via the application button and upload:

• A cover letter stating your motivation (max 1 page).
• A detailed curriculum vitae.
• Name and contact information of two professional referees.
• A list of courses taken with grades obtained in Bachelors and Masters degree.
• A list of publications (if any).

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.

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.
• A knowledge security check will be part of the selection procedure.
  (for details page 45: national knowledge security guidelines)
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

36 - 40 hours per week

Mekelweg 5