Project Description

Third-cycle subject: Energy Technology

Long-term operation and unfavorable conditions may lead to the degradation of the aerodynamic performance of aero-engines over time, increasing fuel consumption and associated emissions. Repairing aero-engine components is crucial for sustainability, as it allows for the recovery of performance lost to degradation and damage, avoiding costly replacements. Improved diagnostics using sensors and advanced algorithms can enhance material utilization and availability, positively impacting the sustainability of the aviation sector.

This research project focuses on the aerodynamic and aeromechanical evaluation and detection of degraded and damaged fan and compressor blades, along with related repair actions in modern aero engines. The main goals of the PhD work include designing, planning, and performing experiments in a test rig, as well as developing and validating suitable numerical models for aeromechanical studies of nominal, damaged, and repaired compressor blades. Additionally, the PhD candidate will develop a machine learning model trained on experimental and virtual data to detect damage occurrence and extent.

The PhD candidate will spend part of their doctoral studies at the University of Stuttgart, where some experimental campaigns will take place. The Turbomachinery and Propulsion group at the Department of Energy Technology, overseeing this project, has extensive experience in EU projects, national program research, and commissioned research in collaboration with Swedish and international industry and academia. This project is part of the Swedish National Aviation Research Program (NFFP8) and is funded by Vinnova, involving close collaboration with an industrial partner.

Supervision

Dr. Jens Fridh (Docent) and Tekn. Lic. Nenad Glodic will supervise the doctoral student. Decisions are made on admission.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to study in a dynamic and international research environment, collaborating with industries and prominent universities worldwide.
• A workplace with numerous employee benefits and a monthly salary according to KTH’s Doctoral student salary agreement.
• A postgraduate education at an institution that actively supports working conditions, gender equality, diversity, and study environment.
• The chance to work and study in Stockholm, close to nature and water.
• Assistance to relocate and settle 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 one of the following:

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

Additionally, there is a mandatory requirement for English equivalent to English B/6.

Selection

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 on their ability to:

• Independently pursue their work
• Collaborate with others
• Maintain a professional approach
• Analyze and work with complex issues

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills after meeting the qualification requirements.

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 exceed full-time doctoral education in four years. An employed doctoral student can, to a limited extent (maximum 20%), perform certain tasks within their role, such as training and administration. A new position as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year and may be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time. For studies leading to a licentiate degree, the total employment period may not exceed 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 the doctoral section.

How to Apply

Apply for the position and admission through KTH's recruitment system. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application is complete according to the instructions in the advertisement. Applications must be received by the last closing date at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time). Applications must include:

• CV including your relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Application letter with a brief description of why you want to pursue research studies, your academic interests, 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. Translations into English or Swedish if the original document is not in one of these languages. Copies of originals must be certified.
• Representative publications or technical reports. For longer documents, provide a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text.

Other Information

KTH strives towards gender equality, diversity, and equal conditions as a matter of quality and values.

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

According to The Protective Security Act (2018-585), candidates 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 center of intellectual talent and innovation. We are Sweden’s largest technical research and learning institution, home to students, researchers, and faculty from around the world. Our research and education cover 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.

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Contact:

1. Nenad Glodic, glodic@kth.se
2. Rafael Guedez, regm@kth.se

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