PhD scholarship – Prediction and Modelling of Damage Mechanisms of Extra-Large Wind Turbine Blades - DTU Wind

If you are keen on contributing to the green transition, envisioning a planet running entirely on renewable energy, and looking for the best possible environment for fulfilling your dreams and ambitions, it is right here in front of you.  

At DTU Wind and Energy Systems we are pushing the research boundaries in the domain of advanced and reliable materials for wind energy applications, with focus on advanced materials for wind turbine blades, improving wind turbine performance, and ensuring more efficient maintenance and protection of wind turbines. The Department of Wind and Energy Systems at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) invites applications for a PhD position focused on the topic of prediction and modelling of damage mechanisms of extra-large wind turbine blades.

Responsibilities and qualifications
This project is a part of the NEXTgenT (NEXT generation of over 25MW offshore wind Turbine rotor design) MSCA Doctoral Networks. The overall objective of theNEXTgenT training network is to educate a new generation of researchers capable of converting their new knowledge of atmospheric science and wind turbine technologies into the development of the next generation of 25+MW offshore wind turbine rotor systems.

The objective of the PhD study will be to evaluate risks of wind turbine blade failure and damage by increasing the blade sizes, up to extra-large wind turbine blades. With increasing wind turbine blade size, the likely damage mechanisms of wind turbine blades are changing. Torsion forces become stronger, leading to the possible blade damage and buckling collapse. This leads  to changes in main blade damage mechanisms, different from those observed in current blades and collected in failure reports. In this work, you will investigate mechanisms of damage of extra-large wind turbine blades, using the methods of computational mechanics and finite element modelling. You will develop computational models of wind turbine blade damage under the mechanisms specific for extra-large blades, including increased tip velocity and the larger role of torsional forces, and explore solutions to mitigate the damage risks.

You will get the chance to work in one of the best technical universities in Europe, DTU, at the Risø campus, the cradle and world renown campus of innovation and research in wind energy. 

Furthermore, by being part of a MSCA Doctoral Network, you will have the opportunity to meet regularly and work closely with a group of your fellow PhD candidates, a distributed team of experts, both from academia and wind industry located all across Europe. You will also have the opportunity for two secondments (3 months each) in one industrial partner and one academic partner in the the NEXTgenT Doctoral Network.

Required qualifications and competencies

• A master’s degree in materials science, applied mechanics, solid mechanics, mechanical engineering or related disciplines,
• Knowledge of finite element modelling (Abaqus) and scientific programming in a higher-level language (preferably Python)

Desirable additional background knowledge

• Knowledge in materials science and composite structures
• Demonstrated experience in preparing scientific publications is welcome

Approval and Enrolment  
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education . 

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility. 

Salary and terms of employment 
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 3 years. Starting date will be settled but no later than 1 May 2025. The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Senior Researcher Leon Mishnaevsky Jr., [email protected]

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure   
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 20 January 2025 (23:59 Danish time)   

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file . The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• Publication list, or a list of any works of a scientific nature, if you have any
• Your publications, if any.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

DTU Wind is a world-leading wind energy department that puts knowledge to work through cutting-edge research, innovation, and technological development. We have internationally leading research environments, and we prioritize strong cross-disciplinary collaborations within DTU, with international research institutions, and with private companies. We have a strong focus on the development of wind energy as the backbone of the future energy system and collaborate with the full wind sector, including sub-suppliers of materials and components, wind turbine manufacturers, developers, planners, and authorities.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.