PhD positions - AALBORG University
At the Faculties of Engineering, Science and Medicine, Department of Mechanical Engineering a position as
Ph.D. fellow (position no. 562/06-15-29139) is open for appointment from 1.8.2009.
Job description:
Modelling and experimental characterisation of polymeric matrix composite materials with novel reinforcement fibres
The PhD stipend is available within the general study programme “Mechanical Engineering”.
The stipend is affiliated with the “Blade King” project which is co-financed by the Danish Advanced Technology Foundation (Højteknologifonden), LM Glasfiber A/S, Comfil ApS, the Faculties of Engineering, Science and Medicine Aalborg University, and finally the Technical University of Denmark, Risø National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy.
The duration of the “Blade King” project is 5 years, and the overall project objective is to demonstrate the viability of revolutionary new reinforcement fibre technology for wind turbine blade production and to prove a potential for lowered throughput time by at least 50%.
Specifically, the success criteria for the platform are successful demonstration of the following within the grant period:
- A significant increase of processing speed for the production of wind turbine blades reinforced with the new fibre system, enabling an increase of the overall production rate of a factor of at least 2.
- A raise of process automation levels, thereby reducing the need for manual labour.
- A reduction of process variability, accompanied by a significant increase of the quality of manufactured wind turbine blades (fewer manufacturing defects).
The PhD project may encompass several of the following topics:
- Modelling, characterisation and experimental validation of the properties of the new class of fibre reinforced composite materials on the micro, meso and macro scales.
This includes identification of failure evolution, micromechanical modelling, evaluation of strengths and fatigue properties under representative load conditions, fracture toughness and resistance to hygrothermal effects.
- Investigation and validation of the structural performance of the new class of fibre reinforced composite materials when used in structural components and larger blade structures.
This includes numerical modelling and experimental characterisation of components and blade sub-structures with respect to stiffness, strength and fatigue performance.
Applicants for the PhD position should hold a Masters Degree in preferably Mechanical or Civil Engineering with a strong background in mechanics and materials engineering. A good command of oral and written English is also required.
Qualification requirements:
PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Masters degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of the Faculties of Engineering, Science and Medicine, in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 18 of January 14, 2008 on the PhD Programme at the Universities. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed every six months. It is a prerequisite for continuation of salary payment that the previous progress is approved at the time of the evaluation.
The qualifications of the applicant will be assessed by an assessment committee. On the basis of the recommendation of the assessment committee, the Dean of the Faculties of Engineering, Science and Medicine will make a decision for allocating the stipend.
Appointment and salary acc. to the Ministry of Finance Circular of January 11, 2006 on the Collective Agreement for Academics in Denmark, Appendix 5, regarding PhD fellows, and with the Ministry of Finance Circular of June 13, 2007 on the employment structure at Danish Universities.
For further information about stipends and salary contact Ms. Tine Lützhøft, The Faculties of Engineering, Science and Medicine, email:
tl@adm.aau.dk, phone: +45 9940 7380.
The PhD application form can be downloaded from the following address:
http://www.phd.ins.aau.dk/get-a-phd/3591832
The faculty has a research school, The Doctoral School of Engineering, Science and Medicine:
http://www.phd.ins.aau.dk and a Network for all PhD students:
http://pau.aau.dk
You may obtain further information from Professor Ryszard Pyrz, phone: +45 9940 9326, email: email:
rp@me.aau.dk or Professor Ole Thybo Thomsen, phone: +45 9940 9319, email:
ott@me.aau.dk concerning the technical aspects of the stipend.
Application marked with the PhD stipend No. 562/06-15-29139, should include in four copies: the PhD application form, the Masters diploma including grades, publications, Curriculum Vitae, proposal for a PhD study plan and any other material, as well as a list of submitted material. Due to legal constraints electronic applications will not be accepted.
The application must arrive at Aalborg University with the morning post by the 15.6.2009.
Application is to be forwarded to :
Aalborg Universitet
De Ingeniør-, Natur- og Sundhedsvidenskabelige Fakulteter
Niels Jernes Vej 10
DK-9220 Aalborg Øst