Internship | High Speed Data Processing for Rotating Detonation Engines

Rotating detonation engines (RDEs) are a novel type of aerospace engine that uses detonation to burn fuel. This makes RDEs up to 15% more efficient than most conventional engines, which use deflagration to burn fuel. RDEs have started to gain increasing attention from the research community in the last 15 years. While geometrically simple, the flow physics of the detonation process are extremely complex. As a result, there is still much unknown about the behaviour and performance of RDEs. TNO has been working on RDEs since 2023, extensively testing a modular hydrogen-air RDE. During these tests a lot of high speed data is recorded, and the purpose of this internship is to develop tooling to analyse this data.

During a test one or multiple detonation waves propagate around the engine in varying direction(s), at a frequency of multiple kiloHertz. In some cases acoustic coupling can also take place between different sections of the engine. To determine this behaviour, various high speed data signals are acquired during a test.

You will be developing analysis tools and methods for this data, with a focus on high speed pressure measurements and high speed camera data. This involves analysis of literature to determine the best data processing approaches, implementing these approaches in flexible tools and applying these techniques to existing RDE test data. Additionally, you will be able to improve the diagnostic setup used for RDE experiments at TNO.

You will perform this assignment in TNO’s Energetic Materials department. In the department you will work together with a team of aeropropulsion experts with both experimental and numerical backgrounds, and in doing so gain a detailed understanding of Rotating Detonation Engines and aeropropulsion development more generally.

You are currently pursuing a Master’s degree in data/computer science, mechanical/aerospace engineering or a related field. You have experience with signals processing and programming in Python and/or Matlab. An interest in aerospace propulsion or flow physics is preferred. You are eager to dig into challenging problems and are able to work independently.

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion.

After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.

For this internship vacancy it is required that the AIVD issues a security clearance (VGB) after conducting a security screening. Take into account that this process may take about 8 weeks. If you have been abroad for more than 6 consecutive months, or if you do not have the Dutch nationality, it may take longer. Read more about security screening on the AIVD website.

Important to be aware of before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed. For students at a college or university based in the Netherlands, TNO uses the UNL-template (supplemented with a number of specific agreements from TNO). For students of foreign and MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  • 1) you are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
  • 2) the internship takes place as part of the programme of the study.
• The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.