5 PhD and postdoc positions in composites @UGent

The research group Mechanics of Materials and Structures at Ghent University (UGent-MMS) has 5 vacancies for PhD and postdoc research in the field of fibre-reinforced composites. The vacancies are linked to research on composite hydrogen tanks, micromechanical testing of composites and finite element modelling of textile connections. All research will be conducted with leading companies in the field.

Vacancy 1: PhD (3 years) on experimental testing of composites for hydrogen tanks

Belgium has been taking a leading position in the transition towards a hydrogen economy thanks to many companies and research institutes active in hydrogen technologies. In addition, Belgium has currently the second largest hydrogen pipeline network in the world and has a strategic position in Western Europe as an import and transit hub for renewable H2 molecules.

In the context of these global and local evolutions, Ghent University (UGent) focuses on an important link in the future hydrogen economy, being the storage of hydrogen in pressurized composite tanks, both in the vehicle itself as in refueling stations. Indeed, the success of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles depends both on the development of safe storage options in the vehicle, as well as a supporting refueling infrastructure.

UGent-MMS is partner in a large new research project with several leading companies in the automotive industry. This research project aims at developing composite solutions for future hydrogen storage tanks. This PhD vacancy is focused on the experimental characterization of composites for hydrogen tanks. This includes measurement of physical and mechanical properties, instrumentation and data acquisition on full tanks and assessment of solutions for Structural Health Monitoring. The research will be done in close collaboration with the involved industrial partners.

The PhD researcher will also closely work together with the other doctoral and postdoctoral colleagues that work on composite hydrogen tanks, to form a strong and complementary team for this highly challenging research topic.

Only candidates with a Master degree should apply. The candidate should have a strong interest in experimental mechanics of composite materials, and should be enthusiastic to work in a collaborative project between industry and academia.

Vacancy 2: PhD (3 years) on numerical simulation of composite hydrogen tanks

Belgium has been taking a leading position in the transition towards a hydrogen economy thanks to many companies and research institutes active in hydrogen technologies. In addition, Belgium has currently the second largest hydrogen pipeline network in the world and has a strategic position in Western Europe as an import and transit hub for renewable H2 molecules.

In the context of these global and local evolutions, Ghent University (UGent) focuses on an important link in the future hydrogen economy, being the storage of hydrogen in pressurized composite tanks, both in the vehicle itself as in refueling stations. Indeed, the success of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles depends both on the development of safe storage options in the vehicle, as well as a supporting refueling infrastructure.

UGent-MMS is partner in a large new research project with several leading companies in the automotive industry. This research project aims at developing composite solutions for future hydrogen storage tanks. This PhD vacancy is focused on the finite element modelling and design of the pressurized composite tank, in different operational conditions (static burst, fatigue and impact). The research will be done in close collaboration with the involved industrial partners.

The PhD researcher will also closely work together with the other doctoral and postdoctoral colleagues that work on composite hydrogen tanks, to form a strong and complementary team for this highly challenging research topic.

Only candidates with a Master degree should apply. The candidate should have a strong interest in computational mechanics of composite materials, and should be enthusiastic to work in a collaborative project between industry and academia.

Vacancy 3: Postdoc (3 years) on numerical simulation of composite hydrogen tanks

Belgium has been taking a leading position in the transition towards a hydrogen economy thanks to many companies and research institutes active in hydrogen technologies. In addition, Belgium has currently the second largest hydrogen pipeline network in the world and has a strategic position in Western Europe as an import and transit hub for renewable H2 molecules.

In the context of these global and local evolutions, Ghent University (UGent) focuses on an important link in the future hydrogen economy, being the storage of hydrogen in pressurized composite tanks, both in the vehicle itself as in refueling stations. Indeed, the success of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles depends both on the development of safe storage options in the vehicle, as well as a supporting refueling infrastructure.

UGent-MMS is partner in a large new research project with several leading companies in the automotive industry. This research project aims at developing composite solutions for future hydrogen storage tanks. This postdoc vacancy is focused on the finite element modelling and design of the pressurized composite tank, in different operational conditions (static burst, fatigue and impact). The research will be done in close collaboration with the involved industrial partners.

The postdoctoral researcher will also closely work together with the other doctoral and postdoctoral colleagues that work on composite hydrogen tanks, and be the leading researcher for this research project. He/she should be the first point of contact for the industrial partners and guide/support the PhD researchers.

Only candidates with a PhD degree should apply. The candidate should have a strong interest in computational mechanics of composite materials, and should be enthusiastic to work in a collaborative project between industry and academia.

Vacancy 4: PhD (4 years) on Advanced Material Modelling using Finite Element Analysis for Technical Textiles and Textile Manufacturing

We are seeking a dedicated PhD candidate on advanced material modelling in the textile domain. In this project you will dive deep into a cutting-edge research area, exploring the complexities of advanced textile material modelling. You will collaborate closely with an research team comprising 2 other PhD students and a postdoctoral researcher.

The research project focusses on the development of a robust multi-scale textile modelling framework, utilizing finite element analysis combined with virtual fibre modelling. Simulations encompass both the manufacturing side (e.g. weaving, stitching, bobbin unwinding, etc.) as well as the performance side (e.g. strength prediction of specialized technical fabric connections). Such simulations are very challenging due to the use of diverse materials (natural and synthetic fibers, yarns and fabrics) combined with high anisotropy and non-linearity. Furthermore, the dynamics of high-speed manufacturing processes need to be included in the modelling framework, ensuring its applicability to real-world processes. This is still a very new research topic and many scientific questions remain unanswered.

Requirements

Experience with finite element mechanical modelling, knowledge of Abaqus™ or other commercial FEA packages;

Familiar with mechanics of materials and experimental and computational techniques;

Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, computational mechanics, materials science, or similar;

Good knowledge of English writing and speaking;

Vacancy 5: PhD (4 years) on micromechanical testing and interface characterization of composites

We are looking for a PhD student for a research project on microscale mechanical characterization of fiber reinforced polymer composites using in-situ microscopic techniques. Much more fundamental insights and measurements at the micro-scale are necessary to enable fully predictive multi-scale modelling and faster adaptation of composites. Therefore, we have developed advanced micromechanical test methods for fibre reinforced polymer composites based on in-situ optical and electron microscopy during loading. This includes micro-scale Digital Image Correlation (DIC) which gives full-field strain information at the sub-micron scale, force measurement and correlation of the damage mechanisms at micro- and macro-scale. This also generates accurate input data for multi-scale models for composites. This PhD will further develop and enhance these micromechanical tests and optimize the microscopic measurement techniques for different types of composites.

Further micromechanical tests will be done to characterize the fibre/matrix interface in composites. Fibre debonding will be monitored in real-time and different loading conditions to the interface will be applied.

This PhD requires an experimentalist to do the micromechanical characterization of the composites. Experience with experimental testing of materials and microscopy is required. Knowledge of composites and/or instrumentation techniques such as Digital Image Correlation (DIC) is an advantage.

More information can be found on 

https://composites.ugent.be/PhD_job_vacancies_PhD_job_positions_composites.html