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

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