Doctoral student in aeromechanics of aircraft engines

Project description

Third-cycle subject: Energy Technology

Long-term operation and unfavorable conditions may lead to degradation of the aerodynamic performance of aero-engines over time, which can increase fuel consumption alongside the emissions associated to it. Repair of aero-engine components is also very important concerning sustainability, as performance lost to degradation and damages could be recovered, avoiding costly replacements of the engine components. Improved diagnostics using sensors and advanced algorithms could thus  improve material utilization and availability, thereby positively impacting in the sustainability of the aviation sector.

In this way, the research project will focus on aerodynamic and aeromechanical evaluation and detection of degraded and damaged fan- and compressor blades, and related repair actions in modern aero engines.  Specifically, the main goals of the PhD work will be to design, plan and perform the experiments in a test rig, and to develop and validate suitable numerical models for aeromechanical studies of nominal, damaged, and repaired compressor blades.  In doing so, the PhD candidate will also work with the development of a machine learning model trained on experimental and virtual data, able to detect when and where damage has occurred, and what is the extent of the detected damage.  The PhD candidate is expected to spend a period of the doctoral studies at the University of Stuttgart, where part of the experimental campaigns will take place.

The Turbomachinery and Propulsion group at the Department of Energy Technology, which this project falls under, is a well-established research group with many years of experience from both EU projects, national program research and commissioned research in collaboration with Swedish and international industry and/or academia. This research project is part of the Swedish National Aviation Research Program (NFFP8) with funding from Vinnova. As the research foreseen by this project is to a high extent applied research, it includes close collaboration with an industrial partner in the project.

Supervision: Dr. Jens Fridh (Docent) and Tekn. Lic. Nenad Glodic is proposed to supervise the doctoral student. Decisions are made on admission

What we offer

• The possibility to study in a dynamic and international research environment in collaboration with industries and prominent universities from all over the world.
• A workplace with many employee benefits and monthly salary according to KTH’s Doctoral student salary agreement.
• A postgraduate education at an institution that is active and supportive in matters pertaining to working conditions, gender equality and diversity as well as study environment.
• Work and study in Stockholm, close to nature and the water.
• Help to relocate and be settled in Sweden and at KTH.

Admission requirements

To be admitted to postgraduate education (Chapter 7, 39 § Swedish Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility in accordance with either of the following:

• passed a second cycle degree (for example a master's degree), or
• completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 second-cycle higher education credits, or
• acquired, in some other way within or outside the country, substantially equivalent knowledge
• solid background in fluid mechanics, demonstrated through relevant degree programs/courses and/or relevant work experience. Knowledge and previous experience specifically applied in the fields of aeromechanics and machine learning are considered meritorious. 

In addition to the above, there is also a mandatory requirement for English equivalent to English B/6.

Selection

In order to succeed as a doctoral student at KTH you need to be goal oriented and persevering in your work. During the selection process, candidates will be assessed upon their ability to:

• independently pursue his or her work
• collaborate with others,
• have a professional approach and
• analyse and work with complex issues.

After the qualification requirements, great emphasis will be placed on personal skills. 

Target degree: Doctoral degree

Information regarding admission and employment

Only those admitted to postgraduate education may be employed as a doctoral student. The total length of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education in four years ' time. An employed doctoral student can, to a limited extent (maximum 20%), perform certain tasks within their role, e.g. training and administration. A new position as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, and then the employment may be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time. In the case of studies that are to be completed with a licentiate degree, the total period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for two years.

Union representatives

Contact information for union representatives.

Doctoral section (Students’ union on KTH Royal Institute of Technology)

Contact information for doctoral section.

To apply for the position

Apply for the position and admission through KTH's recruitment system. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement.

Applications must be received at the last closing date at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

Applications must include the following elements:

• CV including your relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Application letter with a brief description of why you want to pursue research studies, about what your academic interests are and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. (Maximum 2 pages long)
• Copies of diplomas and grades from previous university studies and certificates of fulfilled language requirements (see above). Translations into English or Swedish if the original document is not issued in one of these languages.Copies of originals must be certified.
• Representative publications or technical reports. For longer documents, please provide a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text.

Other information

Striving towards gender equality, diversity and equal conditions is both a question of quality for KTH and a given part of our values.

For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process.

According to The Protective Security Act (2018-585), the candidate must undergo and pass security vetting if the position is placed in a security class. Information regarding whether the position is subject to such a classification will be provided during the recruitment process.

We firmly decline all contact with staffing and recruitment agencies and job ad salespersons.

Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

About KTH

KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm has grown to become one of Europe’s leading technical and engineering universities, as well as a key centre of intellectual talent and innovation. We are Sweden’s largest technical research and learning institution and home to students, researchers and faculty from around the world. Our research and education covers a wide area including natural sciences and all branches of engineering, as well as architecture, industrial management, urban planning, history and philosophy. Read more here