Internship | Blast induced head loading using FEM analyses

Introduction:
The Dutch Ministry of Defense is working on the readiness of its armed forces. An important part of this are trainings, where various weapon systems are used. During these trainings, shooters or bystanders near the weapons may be exposed to blast shock waves, which can exert stress on the head. This stress has the potential to cause long-term brain damage, known as blast-induced mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI).

Research in contact sports has already demonstrated that repeated impacts can lead to brain degeneration (Maroon et al., 2015). Similarly, in the military domain, research on blast-induced mTBI is rapidly expanding (Phipps et al., 2020). To address mTBI specifically for the Dutch armed forces, TNO is conducting a research program on the effects of blast on the brain. This research encompasses several areas, including:

• Monitoring blast exposure
• Understanding the mechanisms of blast loading
• Investigating the mechanisms leading to brain injury
• Developing mitigating measures and guidelines for blasts exposur

What will be your role?
Recent advancements in Finite Element Models (FEMs) allow for more realistic analyses of various head structures, providing insights into the mechanisms of loading. A realistic FEM model of the human head can help answer several critical research questions. Some examples of research questions could be:

• What is the influence of different types of blast shock waves (e.g., higher peak pressure vs. longer duration)?
• What is the influence of the orientation and posture of the soldier with respect to the blast shockwave?
• Which factors of helmet gear are important to mitigate the effects of blast shock waves (e.g. shell design, shell material, visor, inline padding etc.)

These research questions are formed to provide an example of the potential subjects of the graduation project. The definite research questions will be determined in collaboration with the university supervisors, TNO and the graduate student. To explore blast loading mechanisms through FEM analyses, TNO is seeking a student for a graduation internship project.

A student biomedical or (bio-)mechanical engineering with strong skills and a preference for computational modeling (CAD, CAE). This student will conduct a combined literature study and graduation thesis. A security screening will need to take place beforehand. The starting date can be decided based on personal preference and the time it takes to complete the security screening.

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.