🚨 PhD Opportunity in Structural Mechanics 🚨
I am looking for a talented and motivated student interested in pursuing a PhD in Structural Mechanics.
📍 Starting date: November 1, 2026
💰 Net salary: approximately €3,000/month for 36 months
📌 PhD Project
Self-tuning Variable Length Systems for the Vibration Reduction of Wind Turbine Blades
The research project focuses on the development and analysis of self-tuning Variable Length Systems (VLS) for mitigating vibrations in wind turbine blades.
Main research activities include:
🔹 Dimensionless formulation of nonlinear differential-algebraic systems governing VLS dynamics
🔹 Perturbation-based identification of self-tuning conditions
🔹 Parametric analysis of elastic constraints
🔹 Numerical space–time integration of nonlinear equations of motion
🔹 Investigation of limit cycles and self-tuning frequency ranges
🔹 Optimization of the number and placement of VLS along turbine blades
🔹 Assessment of vibration reduction and high-cycle fatigue improvements
🌍 Secondment periods at partner institutions are included in the project.
📖 Reference
Koutsogiannakis, P., Misseroni, D., Bigoni, D., Dal Corso, F. (2023).Stabilization against gravity and self-tuning of an elastic variable-length rod through an oscillating sliding sleeve. Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids, 181: 105452
🎓 Candidate Requirements
Applicants must:
✔ Hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field by July 10, 2026
✔ Be eligible for admission to a PhD program
✔ Have obtained their degree no more than six years before July 10, 2026
✔ Not already hold a doctoral degree
✔ Mobility requirement: the candidate must not have resided or carried out their main activity (studies, work, etc.) in Italy for more than 12 months during the three years immediately prior to the signing of the contract. Compulsory military service, short stays such as holidays or visits, and time spent obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not taken into account when calculating this three-year period.
The official application link will be available shortly.
In the meantime, interested candidates are warmly encouraged to contact me directly for further information.
Please feel free to share this opportunity with potentially interested candidates or colleagues.