DLR-DAAD Doctoral Fellowship Nr. 653: Modelling of Timber and Hybrid Structures for Automotive Crash Analysis and Optimisation

Doctoral Fellowship

Enter the fascinating world of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) and help shape the future through research and innovation! We offer an exciting and inspiring working environment driven by the expertise and curiosity of our 11,000 employees from 100 nations and our unique infrastructure. Together, we develop sustainable technologies and thus contribute to finding solutions to global challenges. Would you like to join us in addressing this major future challenge? Then this is your place!

Our Institute of Vehicle Concepts in Stuttgart offers a

DLR-DAAD Doctoral Fellowship

Nr. 653: Modelling of Timber and Hybrid Structures for Automotive Crash Analysis and Optimisation

What to expect:

The use of timber in automotive structures is nothing new, but has been limited in favour of materials with more “consistent” mechanical characteristics such as metals and fibrous materials. However, in the search for light and perhaps more importantly, environmentally friendly structures the need for sustainable materials such as timber is on the increase. Research projects, such as this PhD is an important step to unlock the next stages if such materials is to become more widely used particularly in areas such as automotive crashworthiness. As with most state-of-the-art development work robust and validated numerical models which can be used as a basis for “inexpensive” yet trailblazing developments is pivotal. Existing numerical methods for timber structures originate mostly from civil engineering and can only be used with heavy modifications for automotive typical load cases such as crash. Nevertheless, compromises and concessions must be made in terms of accuracy and applicability. This results in excessive calibration and validation procedures for every adaption in the development process of the structures as well as for changing load cases and wood species.

The motivation of this PhD is to develop a robust simulation framework which reliably captures the main failure mechanisms in vehicle structures under the governing loading conditions. The aim of the PhD is to define and verify a rigorous and robust Finite Element model, methodology and/or framework specifically for timber and hybrid timber material compositions for automotive crashworthiness analysis and optimisation. The model/methodology should capture the governing material failure mechanisms of wood as well as the influence of specific material properties e.g. the influence of wood density which is the main difference of different wood species.

This project is part of ongoing cooperative research between the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and a major UK University. The scientific work will be conducted at DLR in the institute of vehicle concepts in Stuttgart (Germany). The candidate is required to enroll onto a PhD program with our partner in the UK. The position therefore requires stays in the UK and travelling between the two institutions.

Please find more information here: DLR-DAAD Research Fellowships Nr. 653

Please apply here: DLR-DAAD Research Fellowship Programme - DAAD - Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst

Further information and current vacancies: DLR Current offers - DAAD

What we expect from you:

Applicants should check that they meet the entry requirements for PhD study at our UK partner:

• a minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average
• In the event of a first degree classification of less than 2:1, a Masters Degree in a relevant subject area will be considered as an equivalent.
• The Masters must have been attained with minimum overall marks at merit level (60%). In addition, the dissertation or equivalent element in the Masters must also have been attained with a minimum mark of merit level (60%).
• expertise in the field of Finite Elements, its theory as well as experience in the use of common FE codes (e.g. LS-Dyna) as well as pre- and post-processors
• an excellent knowledge of English; knowledge of German is advantageous. See requirements on

What we offer:

DLR stands for diversity, appreciation and equality for all people. We promote independent work and the individual development of our employees both personally and professionally. To this end, we offer numerous training and development opportunities. Equal opportunities are of particular importance to us, which is why we want to increase the proportion of women in science and management in particular. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are qualified.

Further information:

Starting date: As soon as possible
Type of employment: Full-time

More information may be obtained by contacting:
Dr.-Ing. Thomas Feser ( [email protected] )