University of Twente Netherlands, PhD on a project involving blowing techniques for fiberglass cables

University of Twente Netherlands, PhD on a project involving blowing techniques for fiberglass cablesThe tube should protect the fiber against mechanical forces that may result from digging activities. In most cases, these tubular systems are put into the ground during construction of roads, sewers and the like. At a later stage the fiber is fed into the tube.
Currently the most widely used technique is blowing the cable with the use of an air compressor. With currently available technology, cable blowing at distances between 1 and 2 km is possible. Unfortunately, the distances to be reached strongly depends on the “gut feeling” of the operator. The process depends on many parameters, some of which are not always under control, such as environmental conditions as temperature and humidity. There is a strong need to model the behavior of a cable system to get a more predictable in-feed process. Such a model should make it also possible to apply more optimal, and thus more economical, cable constructions and pipe configurations.
Objective
This research focuses on understanding the process of blowing fiber cables in underground and above ground pipe systems and the influence of parameters involved on the process. To achieve this primarily all potentially influential parameters of the process should be investigated. Furthermore a model should be developed and test in a practical situations. The knowledge gathered should lead to better and more reliable advice on equipment use and related process settings. It should also lead to an improved understanding of adequate cable structures and optimal cable blowing equipment.
Requirements

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic researcher to work within the Design, Production and Management Department of the cluster of Mechanical Engineering. The candidate should have a master degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Sciences or a closely related field. Both an experimental and analytical attitude is necessary. We seek for candidates with good team spirit, who like to work in an multi disciplinary oriented environment. An interview will be part of the selection procedure.
Information and application


For more information, please contact Dr. Sipke Hoekstra (+31 53 4891196, s.hoekstrautwente.nl), or Ir. Frans Kokkeler (+31 53 4893278, f.g.m.kokkelerutwente.nl). Applications for this PhD position must include a Curriculum Vitae, a summary of your MSc thesis and a list of persons for reference purposes. Please send your application before June 30, 2011 through the application link.

Conditions of employment

We offer scientific education on a multidisciplinary subject. The assignment is for 4 years,with a go/no-go assessment at the end of the first year. The candidates are expected to finish the project with a PhD thesis and disseminate the results through patents (if applicable), publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international conferences. The candidate will spend some days per week at TKF, Haaksbergen, subsidiary of the TKH Group located in the vincinity of the university.
Your starting salary will be € 2042,-,gross per month in the first year, leading up to € 2612, – gross per month in the last year, according to the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. In addition, we offer our employees a broad package of secondary benefits.

Organisation

The University of Twente. We stand for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which drives change, innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university in the Netherlands; divided over six faculties we provide more than fifty educational programmes. The University ofTwente has a strong focus on personal development and talented researchers are given scope for carrying out pioneering research.
The Faculty of Engineering Technology (CTW) is one of the six University of Twente’s faculties. CTW combines Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering. Our faculty has approximately 1800 bachelor’s and master’s students, 300 employees and 150 PhD candidates. The faculty is organized in a matrix: the departments cooperatively conduct the educational programmes and participate in interdisciplinary research projects, programmes and the following research institutes: IMPACT, MIRA, CTIT, IBR and IGS.
To apply for this position, visit AcademicTransfer for the original posting, and many other scientific vacancies.