research engineer or postdoc] Development of a Kite Flight Simulation Tool for Ship Propulsion

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research engineer or postdoc] Development of a Kite Flight Simulation Tool for Ship Propulsion

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Offer DescriptionThis position is part of the “digital twin” work package within the KIWIN project.The overarching goal of KIWIN, led by the company Beyond The Sea, is to develop a full-scale demonstrator of a fully automated kite propulsion system. The aim is to achieve an average 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from maritime transport. The tools developed by research laboratories throughout the project will significantly accelerate the advancement of the existing “SeaKite” automated traction system by enabling the design of increasingly larger kites.The recruited postdoctoral researcher will contribute to improving kite design methodologies and defining strategies to handle critical flight situations.At the French Air and Space Force Academy (École de l’Air et de l’Espace – EAE), two PhD projects are already underway within the same project funding. One focuses on flight dynamics, while the other deals with wing structural analysis. These efforts are closely coordinated with the University of Montpellier, where two additional PhD projects have also begun-one on optimizing flight trajectories and another on experimental campaign setup.Depending on the candidate’s experience, the position may be considered either a technology transfer engineering role or a postdoctoral research project. * The technology transfer engineer will be responsible for delivering computational codes and methodologies to the industrial partner. This includes writing theoretical documentation, user manuals, and conducting training sessions. Since the industrial partner is based in the Arcachon region, the role involves on-site travel and participation in both onshore and offshore testing on the SeaKite prototype and partner vessels.Key responsibilities include:

• Attending meetings and conducting benchmark studies with industrial partners and researchers.
• Contributing to the drafting of technical specifications alongside project stakeholders.
• Collaborating with researchers on scientific publications and presenting findings at national and international conferences.

2. The postdoctoral research fellow will have more of a researcher role and its work will follow the PhD research of Richard Leloup [1, 2] and Chloé Duport [3, 4], running in parallel with the ongoing “structure” PhD at EAE. These studies have led to the development of a structural sizing tool that estimates stress distribution in the battens and leading edge of the kite. The tool couples a lifting-line aerodynamic model with finite element simulations in Abaqus. Additionally, a second tool, Kite as a Beam (KAB) [4], has been developed, implementing a reduced-order beam model based on a segmented homogenization approach, where the kite is divided into structural “cells.” However, both models still require validation. Initial comparisons reveal significant discrepancies, particularly in twist predictions. The current KAB model assumes a linear relationship between load and deformation, whereas Abaqus simulations have shown that the kite’s torsional stiffness exhibits nonlinear behavior at the cell level.Multiple enhancements to the simulation tools are possible. The specific direction-whether nonlinear model reduction, weak coupling between structural dynamics and aerodynamic force estimation, inflatable spar buckling analysis, or control line deformation modeling-will be determined based on the candidate’s expertise and motivation.[1] Leloup, R. (2014). Élaboration d’un outil d’aide à la prédiction du comportement et de la tenue mécanique d’un cerf volant auxiliaire de propulsion pour bâtiments de soutien de la flotte.
[2] Leloup, R., Roncin, K., Bles, G., Leroux, J.-B., Jochum, C., & Parlier, Y. (2013). Estimation of the lift-to-drag ratio using the lifting line method: Application to a leading edge inflatable kite. In Airborne wind energy (pp. 339-355). Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg.
[3] Duport, C. (2018). Modeling with consideration of the fluid-structure interaction of the behavior under load of a kite for auxiliary traction of ships (Doctoral dissertation, ENSTA Bretagne-École nationale supérieure de techniques avancées Bretagne).
[4] Solminihac, A. D., Nême, A., Duport, C., Leroux, J. B., Roncin, K., Jochum, C., & Parlier, Y. (2018). Kite as a beam: A fast method to get the flying shape. In Airborne Wind Energy (pp. 79-97). Springer, Singapore.Where to apply E-mailbenjamin.chouvion@ecole-air.frRequirementsResearch Field Engineering » Mechanical engineering Education Level Master Degree or equivalentResearch Field Engineering » Aerospace engineering Education Level Master Degree or equivalentSpecific Requirements

• Holder of a Master’s degree or a Ph.D. in structural mechanics or fluid mechanics, preferably with a component in aeroelasticity.

• Significant skills required in software development and the use of numerical calculation tools (Matlab or equivalent).

Languages ENGLISH Level GoodAdditional InformationWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Ecole de l’air et de l’espace Country France City Salon de Provence Postal Code 13300 Street Chemin Saint Jean GeofieldContact CitySalon de Provence WebsiteStreetChemin Saint Jean Postal Code13300 E-Mailbenjamin.chouvion@ecole-air.frSTATUS: EXPIREDShare this page

Expected salary

Location

Salon-de-Provence, Bouches-du-Rhône

Job date

Sun, 02 Mar 2025 04:26:35 GMT

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