Investigating Physical Causes of PVC Pipe Deterioration
Topic background
A proper functioning drinking water distribution network is of major importance for society and keeping this network optimally operational is key. Adequate asset management limits the risks of (unexpected) pipe failures, but strongly relies on knowledge of the current state of the assets and how it is developing over time, so the future of it can be more predictable.
A series of projects dedicated to inspection techniques, is being executed in the Smart Water Grids research theme. In the past, this has already led to multiple spinoff companies, indicating the immediate relevance of the topic. These projects have the goal to offer a reliable non-destructive inspection method, that can be implemented as a tool at the technology-enabler participating in the theme. For PVC, which is the most commonly used pipe material in the Netherlands, there is still a need to understand the material properties better to be able to apply the invented method.
Research challenges
The challenges in establishing the relation between measured parameters and material state lie in the high level of uncertainty, combined with a high level of variability of the material parameters and behaviour of PVC material used for water mains in the – roughly – past seven decades. The exact constituents of the (older) PVC pipes are often unknown, as are the production process conditions, determining the quality of the finished product, such as for example the level of gelation. Also, the effect of ‘load history’ on the material state is not known. Hence, there is a clear need to properly characterise material state, material behaviour and conditions influencing it. Proper understanding of the material behaviour will first of all shed the light on interpretation the characteristic behaviour of the measured signals from our existing nonlinear ultrasonic measurement method.; and secondly will provide the necessary missing link between the wave characteristics, their relation to the material state, and the degree of degradation (“aging”) of PVC material. In summary; there is a working inspection method delivering results, but what do the results mean in real life?
Your assignment
You will be investigating the physical reasons for the deterioration of PVC pipes and how this is reflected in certain measurable parameters, eventually leading to a method to predict material failure for PVC water mains reliably. You will be working with experts in the field of non-destructive testing, material science and experts in the field of water distribution and inspection technologies. The methods to use can be diverse, from modelling to experimental work, so being multidisciplinary is a pre. On a day to day basis, you will be working in a team with another PhD researcher on the measurement topic. The team further consists of a researcher on water distribution data analysis, and one on hardware sensing methods. The research in this group is aimed for impact, that means that your research output is very likely to be used directly in activities of the member companies involved.
Your profile
Your education has a technical background in material science, polymer science, mechanical engineering, or electrical engineering. Knowledge of and experience with signal processing is considered valuable, as is hands-on experience with experimental work. You are preferably a driven person, aiming for good research work and innovations. At Wetsus you will be working in a very social environment, with many expertises in one building, from biology to fundamental science to meteorology and more.
Keywords: Material science;; NDT inspection technology; Ultrasonics, signal processing
Professor/University group/Wetsus supervisor(s): University promotor and co-promotor: Inna Gitman, Richard Loendersloot; Wetsus supervisor(s): Doekle Yntema
Project partners: https://www.wetsus.nl/research-themes/smart-water-grids/
Only applications that are complete, in English, and submitted via the application webpage before the deadline will be considered eligible.
Guidelines for applicants: https://phdpositionswetsus.eu/guide-for-applicants/
