PhD in structural health monitoring and damage prognostics of composite wind turbine blades using computer vision and machine learning
Are you interested in advancing the state-of-the-art research in wind turbine blade structures using computer vision and machine learning?
If so, the DTU Wind & Energy Systems, Division Wind Energy Materials and Components invites applicants for a 3-year PhD position starting in October 2022. The Ph.D. project will be supervised by Associate Professor Xiao Chen, Chief Development Engineer Malcolm McGugan and head of section Senior Scientist Kim Branner.
The PhD project will develop novel methods to identify and evaluate typical damages of composite wind turbine blades at structural level using the sate-of-the-art computer vision algorithms and machine learning technologies. The project aligns with several on-going research projects in the areas of structural health monitoring and damage prognostics of composite wind turbine blades using computer vision and data analytics, taking advantage of excellent testing and modelling capabilities at our department. The project is expect to combine both physics-based and data-driven approaches to achieve efficient and reliable damage assessment for future large offshore wind turbine blades and similar large-scale structures.
Responsibilities and qualifications
During this PhD project, you are expected to:
- Conduct experimental investigation on damage characterization of composite blade structures when the blades are subject to complex loading using passive thermal imaging, acoustic emission, ultrasonic scanning in collaboration with our engineers and technicians.
- Develop computer vision algorithms to extract structural dynamic characteristics of the blades when they are subject to complex fatigue loading.
- Develop computer vision algorithms to identify, track and analyze blade damages that progress during the loading.
- Develop thermographic data analytic tools for wind turbine structural health monitoring using Machine learning/image processing.
- Validate the performance of your model by comparison of the damage states with the detailed damage coordination and geometry measured experimentally.
- Disseminate the results in peer-reviewed top profile journals.
As a formal qualification, you must have a two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master’s degree. Furthermore, strong English communication skills are essential. Applicants should be highly motivated, ambitious, and eager to seek and share knowledge, willing and able to work independently and in a team.
More specifically, you should have the following qualifications:
- Fundamental understanding and good experience with the state-of-the-art image processing and computer vision algorithms.
- Fundamental understanding and good experience with the state-of-the-art technologies for data analysis.
- Experience with composite materials and structures, and condition monitoring.
- Excellent written and communication skills in English.
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.
Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Associate Professor Xiao Chen, Chief Development Engineer Malcolm McGugan, and head of section Kim Branner.
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 appointment terms
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 is as soon as possible according to mutual agreement.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Xiao Chen (xiac@dtu.dk).
You can read more about Department of Wind Energy at www.vindenergi.dtu.dk
If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.
Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 15 June 2022 (Danish time).
Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply online”, 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
- Contact of at least two reference persons.
- Scientific publications (if any)
You may apply prior to obtaining your master’s degree but cannot begin before having received it.
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
DTU Wind Energy is one of the largest and most well-known university department for wind energy in the world with 250 employees. The institute is in the international driving field with a unique integration of research, education, innovation and public / private government service. DTU Wind Energy has extensive expertise in wind turbine technology, focusing on the impact of loads, structural design and reliability, aeroelastic design and materials.
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 vision to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That vision lives on today. DTU has 13,400 students and 5,800 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.
Apply for this job
Apply no later than 15 June 2022
Apply for the job at DTU Wind Energy by completing the following form.