Internship | Development of physics-enhanced machine learning models for detecting damage at bridges

About this position There are major challenges in the technical industry waiting to be solved in the coming years. Think about the structural safety of structures; climate adaptation; renovation and replacement of infrastructure; the energy transition; material re-use; offshore constructions; and digitalisation. For example, the effect of increasing traffic intensity and vehicle loads on current, sometimes outdated infrastructure, new types of fuels for shipping and the effects on the integrity of the structure, the effect of the energy transition on the way we deal with sustainability in the design or re-use of structural elements or materials, or the design of increasingly larger offshore wind turbines. These are major social issues that TNO does not shy away from, but rather tackles them by combining many different areas of expertise in in-depth, independent research. This way TNO is at the basis of the implementation of technological innovations.

The aging civil infrastructure in the Netherlands poses severe challenges regarding the replacement and/or renovation of structures that reach their end-of-service life. A typical example constitutes the Dutch bridges which encapsulate multiple complications regarding safety-related consequences as well as highly expensive and time-consuming computational models to accurately arrive at maintenance strategies. Machine learning methods offer an efficient alternative to the traditional detailed physics-based models; However, they rely heavily on the amount of data available.

To this end, TNO is exploring two approaches to circumvent the large data dependency. On the one hand investigating the benefits of incorporating physics in such models to reduce the dependency on large amounts of data. On the other hand, TNO is building exact Predictive Twin models, such as a real bridge, which can facilitate generating large amounts of new real-life sensor data. By combining the two methods, sufficient data can be generated for the reduced data dependent models. With the aid of such a model, more accurate and realistic predictions can be made about the remaining service life of a structure and a projection of its current deterioration in a much shorter time frame.

A plethora of interesting avenues exists for solving such a problem formulation, such as investigating the most efficient way to include physics in machine learning models (Physics Informed Neural Networks, Variational Autoencoders, etc); Addressing and quantifying the ever-present uncertainties in such high-complexity physical systems in an efficient and accurate manner (coupling existing state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms with Bayesian principles); Validating these machine learning models using predictive twins, quantifying how well they describe reality and estimating the reliability of their predictions.

We offer a graduation position to students that:

• Follow a master program in STEM such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, architecture, (applied) physics or mathematics, computer science, or similar.
• Have an investigative and critical attitude, you want to know why certain phenomena occur and determine its effect.
• Like to cooperate with others and are creative.
• Live in The Netherlands.
• Have excellent oral and written communication skills in English, and preferably Dutch language (B1 level).

Of course, we may expect additional knowledge and skills depending on the research topic you are interested in.

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 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.

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.