Internship: Qualification of laser-line component inspections

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An internship at NLR in Amsterdam centers on qualifying laser-line inspection methods for GERDA, a framework for defect assessments. You will work on physical measurements and, if possible, simulation-based qualification to maintain safety while improving efficiency. Expected outcomes include a literature review on simulation-based qualification, tool recommendations, and at least one prototype evaluation, plus measurements and data analysis. Ideal candidates are WO or HBO students in engineering or physics with systematic thinking and the ability to move between detail work and big-picture planning, and experience in measurement, data analysis, or programming. Apply with a targeted CV and cover letter; a VOG is required; start Sept or later for 4–6 months; express interest in GERDA and Brightsky.

What will you be doing?

Current projects at NLR aim at qualifying novel inspection methods like laser-line measurements. Qualifying in this context means proving the fitness of a tool or process to perform a specific inspection tasks under certain performance and reliability characteristics. Qualification projects can be complex and long due to the large number of potential factors that can influence the performance of a new inspection technique like laser line measurements. These include, for example, physical factors, procedural factors, environmental factors, or human factors. In a typical qualification project, a large number of time-consuming experiments are necessary.

Recently, there have been efforts to increase the efficiency of qualification projects by introducing modelling and simulation tools as an augmentation or replacement for (some) physical experiments. While there seems to be potential for time and cost savings, it is crucial to maintain the level of safety that physical tests provide. There are both opportunities and challenges associated with this development.

NLR is working on the preliminary qualification of one of its own inspection setups, as part of the generic “Generic Engineering Robot for Damage Assessment” framework (Youtube: GERDA - Generic Engineering Robot for Defect Assessments). This specific inspection setup has been developed in the context of Brightsky, a national research project combining industry, knowledge institutions, and universities to further develop the Dutch Aviation sector. At the current project stage, for the inspection of High Pressure Turbine (HPT) blades, an extensive list of required physical experiments has been developed, and initial experiments took place. However, not all defined measurements have been taken place, and there is potential for further analysis and experiments.

We are looking for up to two passionate students to join our team for an internship or graduation project. The envisioned projects will continue working on the qualification of GERDA (including physical measurements). Depending on interest and project progress, investigating the current state of “qualification by simulation” and its potential relevance for the qualification of GERDA are included in the project, too. The projects will include programming and data analysis as well as physical testing and analytical work.

Result

The envisioned outcomes of a simulation-oriented project are:

• Up-to-date summary and review of qualification by simulation initiatives from literature and past projects

• Analysis of their applicability to the ongoing qualification efforts at NLR regarding GERDA

• Definition of candidate simulation tools that can support the qualification process

• Development and evaluation of at least one prototype qualification by simulation tool

• Contribution towards the qualification of GERDA as a whole

The envisioned outcomes of a qualification-oriented project are:

• Summary and review of the current state of qualification (for both measurements and damage detection) of GERDA

• Based on previous work, choose one (or multiple) use case(s) in order to qualify GERDA for a specific inspection

• Expand the existing qualification material based on the chosen use-case (e.g., plugged holes)

• Perform analyses and define, plan, execute, and evaluate test measurements

• Analyse and utilize experimental results towards the qualification of GERDA

Duration of the internship?

The internship shall take between 4 and 6 months, starting on September 1st or later.

What do we expect from you?

We are looking for a motivated WO or ambitious HBO student from a technical study (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or related), Aviation, Applied Physics, or other studies that provide a solid technical background. The ideal candidate has the following qualities:

• Ability for systematic and critical thinking in a complex, technical context

• Be able to analyse, develop, and follow detailed and specific processes

• Be able to work on (and switch between) detailed, small-scale analysis and high-level processes

Previous experience in one or more of the following areas is a plus:

• Experience with measurement technology (for example, laser-line scanners or other sensors)

• Experience with data analysis, simulation, modelling, and/or programming

• Experience with robotics, automation, and/or laboratory measurement setups

• Experience with regulation, qualification, and/or certification

• Experience within the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector

What do we offer you?

• A flexible, high-tech work environment and fun colleagues;

• A team where you get the chance to develop and learn new skills;

• A challenging internship;

• An internship allowance;

• Working on the forefront of Aviation inspection innovation.

About NLR

Royal NLR has been a knowledge organization with the will and ambition to innovate for over 100 years. Based on that motivation, we make the world of aviation and space travel safer, more sustainable, more efficient and effective and stand for groundbreaking innovations. We employ more than 1000 passionate professionals, from aircraft engineers to psychologists and from mathematicians to application experts. NLR stands for an inclusive and diverse organization where everyone feels welcome, safe, valued and respected.

Would you like to know more about your future internship?

Feel free to contact “name and email address internship supervisor”.

Do not forget to take a look at our socials such as our YouTube channel!

Want to apply?

Nice! We look forward to get to know more about you. Please send you CV and cover letter via the “apply” button.

A positive VOG screening is necessary for this position.