PhD Candidate - Shock-detonation dynamics of energetic materials for advanced aerospace propulsion

Overview

PhD Candidate - Shock-detonation dynamics of energetic materials for advanced aerospace propulsion at IMDEA Materials Institute.

The goal of SPEED is to identify and predict the chemical, physical, and thermomechanical processes governing hypervelocity shock-induced detonation of Energetic Materials (EMs), with applications to advanced aerospace solid propellants. The project involves collaboration among IMDEA Materials Institute, UC3M, and other partner institutions to conduct experimental characterization and numerical simulations of EMs under extreme loading conditions.

Responsibilities

• Characterization of EMs using differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, burning tests, optical and electron microscopy, and high-resolution X-ray computed tomography, including in-situ tomography during mechanical testing. Thermomechanical testing across strain rates from quasi-static (10⁻³–10⁻¹ s⁻¹) to high strain rates (10²–10⁴ s⁻¹) using universal testing machines and Kolsky bars, with real-time diagnostics to capture ignition and detonation phenomena.
• Hypervelocity impact experiments—both planar plate impact and perforation tests—using UC3M’s two-stage light-gas gun, high-speed imaging (up to 10 million fps), photon Doppler velocimetry, and optical pyrometry. Tests conducted at velocities up to 5 km / s to enable time-resolved characterization of detonation and energy release dynamics under aerospace-relevant conditions.
• More than 100 tests on representative EM systems (e.g., sucrose, AN / sucrose, and KNO₃ / HTPB) to calibrate and validate multiscale, multiphysics constitutive models linking microstructure to ignition sensitivity, detonation dynamics, and mechanical response.

Research outputs

Development of novel experimental techniques for in-situ characterization and comprehensive microstructural analysis of samples before and after hypervelocity impact testing, along with the generation of hypervelocity planar plate impact and perforation test data on various energetic material systems. The Hypervelocity Center at UC3M is equipped for plate-impact and perforation experiments, with gas guns, ultra-high-speed cameras, photon Doppler velocimetry, and advanced illumination systems. The In-Situ Processing and Mechanical Characterization Center at IMDEA provides advanced X-ray computed tomography, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy facilities. The recruited researcher will have access to computational resources, including licenses of ABAQUS, Matlab and Mathematica, and workstations.

Requirements

Conditions

An opportunity to work on cutting-edge research with access to state-of-the-art facilities for materials processing and characterization. The successful candidate will have access to the PhD program of the University Carlos III of Madrid and related training activities and conferences. The position is for four years with a competitive financial package and an approximate gross annual salary of 23–26 k€. Incorporation : preferable in the first trimester of 2026. Applications are processed upon reception; the position may close ten working days after publication, so early application is encouraged. The working language is English.

What you will find at IMDEA

Stimulating environment for professional growth. IMDEA Materials Institute is committed to equal opportunities and diversity, with a strong emphasis on work-life balance. Female applicants are encouraged to apply. Training is offered in both technical and soft skills, with opportunities to participate in conferences and courses.

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