Postdoc Hydrogen Induced Degradation and Continued Airworthiness for Hydrogen Powered Aircraft

Job description

How can the hydrogen induced degradation in a hydrogen fuel storage system be managed to achieve continued airworthiness?

Job description

The drive towards climate neutrality in the aviation sector calls for impactful innovations without comprising aviation safety. Within the scope of the Dutch-funded HAPSS project led by Concious Aerospace, we are developing a hydrogen-electric propulsion system to be integrated into an existing Dash 8-300 aircraft, aiming for certification by EASA in 2028.
As a postdoc at TU Delft, you will work closely with Concious Aerospace and researchers at TU Delft, to develop novel and certificaton ready development approaches for a reliable and airworthy hydrogen fuel storage system.
Your research will be a part of a dedicated workpage within HAPSS project on hydrogen induced degradation and continued airworthiness. You will build on the current project progress on hydrogen induced degradation mechanisms, and:
Expand damage tolerance analysis metholodogies to account for hydrogen induced degradation.
Establish inspection intervals and maintenance strategies for hydrogen induced degradation.
Assess the effectiveness of non-destructive inspection techniques for detecting hydrogen-induced damage in representative metallic structures, and develop approaches to integrate inspection into damage-tolerant design strategies and maintenance programs.
Develop comprehensive design guidelines that incorporate hydrogen-induced effects into the aircraft design philosophy for ensuring continued airworthiness.
Disseminate the results via journal articles and scientific conferences.
You will be based in the Aerospace Structures and Materials department of Aerospace Engineering faculty, working closely with Dr Nan Yue and Dr John-Alan Pasce.
You will have opportunities to contribute to university education activities, including teaching and student supervision.
Job requirements
A PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, Applied Physics or other relevant subject.
Strong scientific background and research experience in facture mechanics and fatigue.
Familiar with risk analysis and risk management.
Ability and curiosity to engage with multi-disciplinary stakeholders.
Good collaboration and communication skills with both academic colleagues and industrial project partners.
Ability to conduct independent research and publish scientific results.
Experience with cryogenic systems or non-destructive testing is a plus.
TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)