PhD (4 years) on Design, Manufacturing and Testing of Composite Propellers for Underwater Drone Applications Ghent University in Belgium

Ghent University offers a 4-year PhD position focused on the design, manufacturing, and testing of composite propellers for underwater drone applications. The research is part of a European consortium involving defense companies and research institutes, targeting next-generation propeller solutions for mine countermeasure and maritime surveillance tasks. The project emphasizes the use of composite materials to ensure propeller durability under mechanical loads, with research tasks including design and finite element simulation of propeller geometries, optimization of material choices and manufacturing processes, and mechanical characterization of prototypes.

The PhD researcher will collaborate with various European partners, including the Royal Military Academy in Belgium, which conducts CFD simulations to estimate hydrodynamic loads. The position is based in the Mechanics of Materials and Structures (MMS) group at Ghent University, led by Prof. Wim Van Paepegem, an expert with 25 years of experience in composite mechanics and finite element analysis. The group is dynamic, with 8 postdocs and 15 PhD students, and has a strong track record of successful PhD completions and publications.

Applicants must hold a Master degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computational Mechanics, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field. A strong interest in experimental and computational mechanics of composite materials is essential, along with proficiency in English. The role requires regular travel within Europe for experimental campaigns and close collaboration with industrial partners. The university provides access to advanced experimental and numerical facilities, including high-performance computing clusters, and encourages participation in international conferences and publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Funding includes a net salary starting from 2600 EUR/month (after taxes) for junior PhD students, with increases for dependents and seniority. The tuition fee is a one-time payment of approximately 1000 EUR, with no additional study costs. Additional benefits include compensation for public transport and bicycle, hospitalization insurance, and access to sports and IT facilities. The university supports international students through active student associations and regional platforms.

To apply, candidates should prepare a detailed CV in Dutch or English, including personal details, education, transcripts, work experience, skills, languages, and references. Applications should be sent by email to Prof. Wim Van Paepegem. For further information, candidates can visit the research group website or download the research brochure. The application deadline is unspecified, so early submission is recommended.