PhD-position: Guided wave inspection of components using laser ultrasonics

Non-destructive testing (NDT) for quality assurance or in-service inspection is often very time consuming. NLR recently invested in a laser based system that can be used for generation or detection of ultrasonic guided waves. The use of guided waves offer many possibilities and advantages over more traditional NDT concepts. There are several remaining challenges that we wish to address in this PhD-project.

This PhD-research project is aimed to solve a number remaining challenges in the use of ultrasonic guided wave for quality assurance or in-service inspection.

• Define novel inspection concept based on in-depth knowledge of guided ultrasonic waves;
• Evaluate solutions using numerical modelling;
• Develop advanced data processing schemes;
• Experimentally evaluate solutions on a variety of test specimens;
• Publish the results through relevant conferences and journal papers.

• A completed Master's degree in relevant domain Physics, Geophysics, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Photonics, or a related technical field of study
• Experience in analysing and understanding complex problems;
• Affinity with both theoretical analysis and experimental work;
• Commitment to carrying out 4 years of research and culminating in a PhD-thesis;
• Excellent writing skills and the drive to publish in scientific journals.

The candidate will receive a 4-year research contract from NLR and will be enrolled in the Doctoral Education programme of Gent University. During this time, the candidate will work closely together with NLR colleagues in Marknesse within the AVTH team.

• No fewer than 45 days off (with full-time employment);
• A fixed end-of-year bonus of 8%;
• A contribution towards your healthcare costs;
• Extra paid parental leave;

Royal NLR has been a knowledge organization with the will and ambition to innovate for over 100 years. Based on that motivation, we make the world of aviation and space travel safer, more sustainable, more efficient and effective and stand for groundbreaking innovations. We employ more than 1000 passionate professionals, from aircraft engineers to psychologists and from mathematicians to application experts.

E-mail Danielle Kuijf;
Danielle.kuijf (recruiter).

Excellent! Sent us your letter of motivation and CV via the ‘Solliciteren’ button on the website.

Note that at minimum a Certificate of Conduct (VOG) will be required to be eligible for this position. This position is open to applicants with nationalities of NATO countries.

We look forward to receiving you for an interview in Marknesse or online!