The 3ME Faculty trains committed engineering students and PhD candidates in groundbreaking scientific research in the fields of mechanical, maritime and materials engineering. 3ME is the epitome of a dynamic, innovative faculty, with a European scope that contributes demonstrable economic and social benefits.

Job description

Thermal Barrier Coating (TBC) systems are applied in gas turbine engines to increase their efficiency and to protect critical structural components. High stresses which develop during thermal cycles result in cracks in the TBC that ultimately lead to failure.

The project’s goal is to develop a self-repairing mechanism for cracks in thermal barrier coatings. This will be achieved through a combined experimental-modelling analysis of a modified self-healing approach that relies on a novel encapsulation method of healing particles in the coating. The healing mechanism becomes active once cracks appear. This new technology can significantly extend the lifetime of these coatings, reducing operational costs.

The project is divided into an experimental part and a modelling part. This job description refers to the experimental part, in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (Faculty 3mE). If you are interested in the modelling part, please read the job description of the PhD position in self-healing coatings in the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at TU Delft. 

This project is a part of a national self-healing materials research programme involving several universities, research institutes and companies. The programme aims to provide the knowledge necessary to create new materials with self-healing capabilities.

Requirements

The PhD candidate must hold a Master degree in Physics, Chemistry or Materials Science. The candidate must have the ambition to do scientific work at a high level, be fluent in English and be experienced in writing. In addition, the candidate must have outstanding experimental competence and a strong affinity for physical-chemical modelling. Good communication skills and the ability to work in an international team with scientists and technicians are required.

Conditions of employment

TU Delft offers an attractive benefits package, including a flexible work week, free high-speed Internet access from home, and the option of assembling a customised compensation and benefits package (the ‘IKA’). Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

Information and application

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Ir. Wim G. Sloof, phone: +31 (0)152784924, e-mail: W.G.Sloof@tudelft.nl. To apply, please e-mail a detailed CV along with a letter of application by 15 November 2010 to: application-3mE@tudelft.nl. When applying for this position, make sure to mention vacancy number 3ME10.27.

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Application Deadline : 1 December 2010

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