Centre for textile science and engineering

Jobs

3 PhD and 2 postdoc vacancies for 2024:

Vacancy 1: PhD (4 years) or Postdoc (2-3 years) on Advanced Material Modelling using Finite Element Analysis for Technical Textiles and Textile Manufacturing

Job description

We are seeking a dedicated PhD candidate or Postdoc on advanced material modelling in the textile domain. In this project you will dive deep into a cutting-edge research area, exploring the complexities of advanced textile material modelling. You will collaborate closely with an research team comprising 4 dedicated researchers. The project is part of a larger collaboration between Sioen, Picanol and Vandewiele, three leading textile companies based in Belgium.

The research project focusses on the development of a robust multi-scale textile modelling framework, utilizing finite element analysis combined with virtual fibre modelling. Simulations encompass both the manufacturing side (e.g. weaving, stitching, bobbin unwinding, etc.) as well as the performance side (e.g. strength prediction of specialized technical fabric connections). Such simulations are very challenging due to the use of diverse materials (natural and synthetic fibers, yarns and fabrics) combined with high anisotropy and non-linearity. Furthermore, the dynamics of high-speed manufacturing processes need to be included in the modelling framework, ensuring its applicability to real-world processes. This is still a very new research topic and many scientific questions remain unanswered.

What we are looking for

  • You are interested in research and obtained a Master and/or PhD degree;
  • You have experience with finite element mechanical modelling, knowledge of Abaqus™ or other commercial FEA packages;
  • You are familiar with mechanics of materials and experimental and computational techniques;
  • You have obtained a Master’s or PhD degree in mechanical engineering, computational mechanics, materials science, or similar;
  • You have good knowledge of English writing and speaking;

Vacancy 2: PhD (4 years) or Postdoc (2-3 years) on experimental and numerical study of load-bearing stitched connections for technical textile applications

Job description

We are seeking a PhD or Postdoc for a research project on load-bearing stitched connections of technical textiles as encountered in for example marine fish farms, ultralarge container bags, flexible tanks and tensile architecture. These connections experience complex loading conditions and are often the first to fail, thus determining the construction's lifetime and performance. In order to develop better connections, advanced mechanical analysis and precise modelling tools are required.

This research will delve into the development of advanced numerical modelling tools, using finite element analysis, to predict and understand the behavior and failure mechanisms of stitched connections. In addition, you will engage in an experimental mechanical study, which encompasses static, rate-dependent, and cyclic (fatigue) testing of these connections. This role will be complemented by the use of advanced instrumentation, including in-situ microscopy, high-speed imaging and digital image correlation for full-field strain measurements, to enhance the understanding of load transfer and failure in these structures. You will collaborate closely with an research team comprising 4 dedicated researchers. The project is part of a larger collaboration between Sioen, Picanol and Vandewiele, three leading textile companies based in Belgium.

What we are looking for

  • You are interested in research and obtained a Master and/or PhD degree;
  • You have an education in mechanical engineering, computational mechanics, materials science, or similar;
  • You are familiar with mechanics of materials and experimental or computational mechanical analysis techniques;
  • You have a good knowledge of English writing and speaking;
  • Experience with finite element modelling, knowledge of Abaqus™ or other commercial FEA packages, digital image correlation, etc. are a big plus.

Vacancy 3: PhD (4 years) on advanced micro-mechanical testing of fiber reinforced polymer composites using in-situ microscopy

Job description

We are looking for a PhD student for a research project on microscale mechanical characterization of fiber reinforced polymer composites using in-situ microscopic techniques. Fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are the go-to material for structural applications where weight is crucial. Predictions about bulk components are often based on micro-mechanical models, typically through a multi-scale modelling framework that bridges the gap from fibre scale (± 10 μm) to ply scale (±100 μm) to laminate scale (± 10 – 100 mm and beyond). Much more fundamental insights and measurements at the micro-scale are necessary to enable fully predictive multi-scale modelling and faster adaptation of FRP. Therefore, we propose the development of advanced micro-mechanical test methods for fibre reinforced polymer composites based on in-situ optical and electron microscopy during loading. This includes micro-scale Digital Image Correlation (DIC) which gives full-field strain information at the sub-micron scale, force measurement and correlation of the damage mechanisms at micro- and macro-scale. This also generates accurate input data for multi-scale models for composites. This PhD requires an experimentalist to do the mechanical characterization of the materials.

Requirements

  • Experience with experimental testing of materials;
  • Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, materials science, or similar;
  • Familiar with mechanics of materials and experimental techniques;
  • Good knowledge of English writing and speaking;

Nice to haves

  • Knowledge of instrumentation techniques such as Digital Image Correlation (DIC);
  • Experience with, or a background in, composite materials;

What do we offer and how to apply?

  • We have extensive experimental and numerical facilities. You will have access to several workstations and a high performance computing cluster to run finite element simulations;
  • You will get the chance to attend international conferences (e.g. AUTEX, ECCM, ICCM,...) and to present papers on these conferences. You are encouraged to publish your results not only on international conferences, but also in peer-reviewed international scientific journals;
  • A personal laptop and workspace;
  • The university offers compensations for public transport (train) and bicycle. The work location can be reached easily by public transport (train and tram/bus);
  • There are a lot of sport accommodations and other benefits (reductions on computer purchase, internet connection, fitness, hospitalization insurance policy, ...) for university personnel;
  • As a PhD, your net income is about 2400 EUR per month. As a junior postdoc, your net income is about 2800 EUR per month. That is the amount of money that is deposited on your bank account every month (after taxes);

Where

You will work at the Department of Materials, Textiles and Chemical Engineering at Ghent University under prof. Lode DAELEMANS (Centre for Textile Science and Engineering, https://textiles.ugent.be) and prof. Wim VAN PAEPEGEM (Mechanics of Materials and Structures, https://composites.ugent.be). Ghent University is a large university in Belgium, counting about 45,000 students and consistently ranks among the best 100 universities in the world. The research group and its laboratories are situated in the Tech Lane Science Park in the south of Ghent (Technologiepark 70, 9052 Zwijnaarde). The campus is easily accessed by bike, bus or car.

Contact person

The contact person and promotor of this PhD vacancy is Prof. Lode DAELEMANS (research profile: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=4mTrbq8AAAAJ&hl=en).

How to apply

Please write a detailed Curriculum Vitae in Dutch or English, containing:

  • Personal details (name, nationality, date of birth, …);
  • Education and degrees, include subject of master’s thesis, PhD thesis;
  • Transcript of records of bachelor’s and master’s degree;
  • Work experience (previous jobs);
  • Additional skills (finite element software, programming, communication, experimental techniques, …);
  • Language skills;
  • References (previous relevant projects, published papers, conference contributions, …);

Send the C.V. by e-mail to Lode.Daelemans@UGent.be using the subject ‘Application for Vacancy 202402’ and mention for which vacancy you are applying. If your CV is shortlisted, we will contact you for further information.