Postdoc Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy as a Predictive Tool for a Ship’s Hull Corrosion Integrity

22 Feb 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

Research Field

Technology

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Netherlands

Application Deadline

14 Mar 2024 - 22:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Not Applicable

Hours Per Week

40.0

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Within the dTHOR (digital ship sTructural Health mOnitoRing) project of the European Defence Fund, the aim is to develop next generation predictive Ship Structural Health Monitoring (SSHM) systems based on a digital framework complying with innovative utilisation of large amounts of load and response measurements from advanced sensor systems, and hybrid analysis and modelling (HAM) which combines physics-based and data-driven (AI/ML) models. These tools will be applied to achieve interoperable and evolving models facilitating a game change for SSHM.

One of the most important cost drivers and availability killers for a ship’s hull is corrosion. Within the framework of dTHOR, in order to predict the location, severity and consequences of corrosion damage, it is essential to monitor the state of the protective coating system. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is an electrochemical tool that is well suited for this purpose. This project therefore aims to investigate the applicability of EIS as a form of condition monitoring and to understand the evolution of specific EIS parameters over time.

Currently, much experience already exists with the relationship between coating condition and EIS data, e.g. the Bode plot. Using equivalent circuits, it is possible to quantify multiple different coating characteristics, including barrier properties and adhesion. It is therefore also possible to rank the corrosion protective condition of multiple comparable coatings of different ages. In reality however, a large variety of coating systems exists, with different chemical composition and functionality. This variety of coating systems will age differently, with a variable response to changing operating conditions and local damages. This is especially true in the presence of active corrosion inhibiting coatings. The remaining challenge is therefore the translation of the knowledge of specific EIS aging characteristics of standard coating systems into the remaining useful life of more complex coating systems, both damaged and in pristine condition, under various different loads. For this purpose, the next step in this project is to develop a degradation model that describes the degradation development over time, including variable loads, damage states and corrosion inhibition. With this knowledge, each EIS measurement could result in a reliable, updated lifetime prediction. Additionally, it could be possible to predict the effect of changing operational conditions onto the future corrosion protective properties of a coating system.

Requirements
Specific Requirements

The ideal candidate should combine a strong affinity with electrochemistry with reasonable modeling skills. The candidate shall have a critical attitude and the ability to combine different fields of technology.

The candidate shall start as soon as possible. The candidate will be employed as a Postdoc candidate by TU Delft for a duration of 2 years.

A security screening is mandatory for this project. Application is only open for candidates from EU and / or NATO membership countries.

Additional Information
Benefits

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. 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.

Selection process

A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.

Additional comments

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 14 March 2024 via the application button and upload your motivation and CV.

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

The Netherlands Defence Academy and the Corrosion Technology and Electrochemistry (CTE) group of TU Delft will supervise the candidate together. The candidate is to be based at TU Delft.

For further information, please contact Dr. ir. A.M. (Axel) Homborg, [email protected] , or Prof. dr. ir. J.M.C. (Arjan) Mol, [email protected] .

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/338079/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Delft University of Technology

Country

Netherlands

City

Delft

Postal Code

2628 CD

Street

Mekelweg 2

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/338079/postdoc-electrochemical-impedance-sp…

Contact

City

Delft

Website

http://www.tudelft.nl/

Street

Mekelweg 2

Postal Code

2628 CD

STATUS: EXPIRED