PhD: Tree-frog Adhesion & Biomimetic Gripping Structures

Department/faculty: Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
Level: Master degree
Working hours: 38 hours per week
Contract: 4 years
Salary: €2083 to €2664 per month gross

Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

The 3mE Faculty trains committed engineering students, PhD candidates and post-doctoral researchers in groundbreaking scientific research in the fields of mechanical, maritime and materials engineering. 3mE is the epitome of a dynamic, innovative faculty, with a European scope that contributes demonstrable economic and social benefits.

The Department of Biomechanical Engineering is a research department at Delft University of Technology, located in the Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (3mE). The Department of Biomechanical Engineering coordinates the education and research activities in the field of Mechanical Engineering techniques, such as modelling and design, to analyse the interaction between biological and technical systems.

Job description

Strong, load-independent, and reversible grip on soft, wet, and vulnerable substrates remains one of the holy grails of surface engineering and would enjoy many uses in the medical field, consumer products, and rescue operations. Tree-frog toe pads are an excellent paradigm for this type of grip. Tree-frog toe pads consist of hexagonal cells separated by deep, narrow grooves. The cells conform individually to substrate irregularities, leading to close contact to the substrate, while watery mucus thinly spread under the pad induces grip by means of hydrodynamic forces. Recent findings indicate that nano-structures on the pad surface, forming dry contact with the substrate, may also be involved.
In this project, tree-frog inspired gripping structures will be synthesised by a combination of additive manufacturing and patterning techniques. The adhesion performance of these structures and the nature of their contact with the substrate will be studied using a variety of techniques such as total internal reflection microscopy, interference reflection microscopy, indentation testing with atomic force microscopy, high-speed X-radiography, and sonomicrometry.
The project is funded by the Dutch Technology Foundation (STW) and is a collaboration between Delft University of Technology and Wageningen University.The PhD student in Delft will closely cooperate with a PhD student in Wageningen who will advance the understanding of the working mechanisms of the tree frog and will develop multiscale computational models of adhesive pads. For more information, see https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B0gvTMhHaG_cQkJGMzR3QkJacE0&usp=sharing.

Requirements

The PhD student will engineer a novel, reversible gripping structure, based on tree frog working mechanisms. The successful candidate has an MSc degree in Physical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Bioengineering. A background in fabrication of soft/porous polymer structures, experimental solid and fluid mechanics, and multi-scale measurement techniques will be appreciated. You are expected to write a number of publications that will be used as chapters of a PhD thesis. A strong motivation for science and engineering and proficient written and oral communication skills in English are crucial for the successful completion of this challenging project. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team of engineers and biologists.

Conditions of employment

TU Delft offers an attractive benefits package, including a flexible work week, free high-speed Internet access from home (with contracts of two years or longer), and the option of assembling a customised compensation and benefits package (the 'IKA'). Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit www.phd.tudelft.nl for more information.

Information and application

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Dimitra Dodou, phone: +31 (0)15-2784221, e-mail: d.dodou@tudelft.nl. To apply, please e-mail a detailed CV, grades list, scientific publications and/or MSc thesis, and list with three references along with a letter of application to Dr. Dodou, application-3me@tudelft.nl. The position will remain open until a suitable candidate has been found.
When applying for this position, please refer to vacancy number 3ME14-029.