PhD Position scale Wind Deck Measurements Drone Operations

PhD Position:
Full-scale Wind Over Deck Measurements for Drone Operations

Full Scale Wind over Deck Measurements

For the efficient and safe deployment of marine drones, Ship-Unmanned Aircraft System Operational Limitations (SHUASOL) must be determined. These SHUASOLs are strongly influenced by the wind field above the helideck and around ships. Wind fields are simulated on model scale as standard. For helicopters, the real limits are determined by a test flight by an experienced pilot. For small flying drones, wind gusts have a greater impact;

thus, autonomous flight requires precise knowledge of real wind fields and validation of simulations.

In this PhD project you will:

• Design and conduct full‑scale imaging measurements (particle or bubble tracking velocimetry) of the wind field at the landing deck of a marine vessel.
• Analyze the full‑scale wind field, focusing on the structure and magnitude of wind gusts relevant to drone operations at sea.
• Assess how well model‑scale measurements and existing numerical simulations match the full‑scale observations.
• Explore the limitations of full‑scale measurement techniques with respect to measurement volume, resolution, calibration, and flow seeding.

You will work in a vibrant team of international researchers within the Multiphase Systems and Fluid Mechanics groups of the Process & Energy Department and spend time at the Netherlands Defence Academy (NLDA, Den Helder Campus). You will receive comprehensive training and opportunities to present at international conferences.

• MSc degree in mechanical, maritime, aerospace engineering, or a closely related field.
• Strong background in fluid mechanics.
• Experimental experience in flow measurements (wind or water tunnel) is an advantage.
• Strong mathematical and computational skills (MATLAB, Python).
• Fluent written and oral English. Non‑native speakers must demonstrate proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, or completion of a master program fully taught in English).
• Background screening will be part of the hiring process.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4‑year period of employment, typically as two contracts: an initial 1.5‑year contract with a progress assessment at 15 months, followed by a contract for the remaining 2.5 years if performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, ranging from €3 059 to €3 881 gross per month (full‑time, 38 hours), plus 8 % holiday allowance and an end‑of‑year bonus of 8.3 %.

Candidates will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School and may benefit from tuition waivers, health‑insurance discounts, and a monthly work‑cost contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.