PRR Project

Summary

Candidates must be PhD holders in the field of Aerospace Engineering or any related field of Engineering (e.g. Mechanical), have research experience (at least three years of post-doctoral experience) as well as demonstrated leadership in theoretical or experimental activities within the field of planning research activities. Successful candidates must possess a track record of awarded applications for grants, successful applications research projects to funding. Candidate should be willing to:Carry out scientific research and technological development activities in the area of (i) Multidisciplinary design optimization of aerospace systems, (ii) Design, modelling and analysis of hybrid rockets, (iii) Design and development of satellites;Work closely with international reference research groups in the same area and in complementary research areas, and lead the application for national and international research funds, being the Principal Investigator (PI) of these projects;Participate in IDMEC extension tasks, scientific dissemination and economic and social valorization of knowledge;Supervise MSc and PhD students´ research;Modernize research laboratories;The Investigator will be integrated in the Center of Aerospace Science and Technology (CCTA E) at IDMEC and also at the research group on Structures and Mechanical Systems (SMS) of LAETA . This research group addresses the following research Topics:Structural Design and OptimizationInspection, Monitoring and MaintenanceTribology, Vibration and Acoustics, and Aerospace EngineeringThe members of SMS develop cutting-edge research and technological developments that contribute to the Thematic Line of LAETA, Space and Aeronautics (SA) . LAETA´s structural and computational mechanics researchers are internationally well recognized and have a leading role in the internationalization of Portuguese research and in developing new engineering applications. The responsibility of the Research Assistant to hire will be to further this know-how and capabilities, integrating them with the primary objective of fostering the SMS leadership through innovative applied research projects and technological developments within the thematic line SA. The sought-after scientific expertise is geared towards the introduction of advanced methodologies and techniques for the integrated project and benefiting from the following SMS expertise and ongoing developments: Multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) of aerospace systems : MDO allows designers to simultaneously integrate different relevant disciplines. The optimal solution derived from addressing the combined problem outperforms designs achieved by sequentially optimising individual disciplines, as it exploits their interactions. However, the simultaneous integration of all disciplines significantly increases the complexity of the problem. In aerospace systems, this type of optimisation focuses on the synergy between disciplines such as aerodynamics, dynamics, structures, trajectory, guidance and control, thermodynamics and propulsion. Design, modelling and analysis of hybrid rockets : this propulsion system operates using two distinct phases of propellants: one solid and the other gas and/or liquid, making it a hybrid propulsion system. Hybrid propulsion is well-suited for applications or missions that require throttling, command shutdown and restart capabilities, long-duration missions that require storable nontoxic propellants, or infrastructure operations (such as manufacturing and launching) that would benefit from a non-self-deflagrating propulsion system. Examples of such applications include primary boost propulsion for space launch vehicles, upper stages, and satellite manoeuvring systems. Design and development of satellites : satellite design is a multidisciplinary task that aims to create a space structure capable of maintaining a given orientation and orbit around a celestial body.  In the NewSpace paradigm it is becoming mandatory to perform a life cycle assessment to analyse the environmental aspects and potential impacts throughout the product´s life cycle.The desired expertise and qualities are:Strong knowledge and experience on aerospace engineering issues,Clear academic autonomy,Creativity and innovation in tackling engineering problems,Propensity to develop and/or lead research and development projects nationally and internationally,Personal qualities to promote and engage in teamwork.