New on board: PhD researcher Tom Asijee
"What attracted me to TPRC was the opportunity to do cutting edge research in connection with industrial partners, keeping the research relevant."
Tom started at the TPRC almost two months ago. During his studies in aerospace engineering, he developed his interest in thermoplastic composites. After a year of work at a 3D printing company, he wanted to pursue this interest and was welcomed at the TPRC. His research is aimed at laser assisted fiber placement with in-situ consolidation.
'"Almost two months ago, I started together with Liran as a PhD student, with my research topic focusing on laser assisted fiber placement. The work at TPRC allows for a nice extension of my background in aerospace engineering, where I had my first introduction to composites. During an MSc research project I experienced some of the ins and outs of filament winding of hydrogen storage tanks as well.
After working at an additive manufacturing company in Enschede for about a year, I noticed a research opportunity at TPRC that was nicely aligned with my interest in thermoplastic composites. What attracted me to TPRC was the opportunity to do cutting edge research in connection with industrial partners, keeping the research relevant. It was surprising for me that I could do all this in Twente, close to the region where I grew up.
My PhD research itself is aimed at laser assisted fiber placement with in-situ consolidation. It was great to get introduced to the equipment and people so fast in the first weeks, with the Technical Advisory Board meeting forming a nice part of this introduction as well. For the coming period I have a few initial experiments planned that will help me to determine the scope of the project further, next to understanding the currently available process simulation models for thermoplastic fiber placement. I am looking forward to the exciting times ahead!"
