My name is Daan Jonas Hottentot Cederløf, I am 25 years old and have recently moved to Denmark to start a PhD at DTU. In July I graduated from the Delft University of Technology with a MSc degree in aerospace structures and materials; my thesis revolved around the testing and modelling of fatigue delamination damage in stiffened CFRP panels. So far the similarity to my MSc thesis has made the transition to the PhD project relatively smooth. Hopefully my background from a slightly different engineering field will yield some interesting discussions here at DTU Wind Energy and pave the way to 3 fruitful years.

As for my thoughts on DACOMAT, I have to admit that I am still getting settled in and familiarizing myself with all the partners, work-packages and ideas. The merit of the project is certainly there, damage tolerance and the control thereof is a powerful concept. I am interested in understanding it here in the lab, however I hope it does not stay there. To see the DACOMAT material be used in industrial applications would be a great moment, so I am excited to be part of such a diverse project group which can make that happen.

My supervisors here at DTU are numerous and have a wide range of specializations. My current project plan is therefore not yet set in stone. At this point in time topics of interest include the experimental testing of mode III specimens, fibre treatment using gliding arc plasma and fatigue characterisation of lamina interfaces (of course with lots of fibre bridging). I can only assume that this list of topics will increase or change in the future.

In summary, I look forward to meeting the various project partners, especially the other PhD students at Strathclyde and UPM. Sharing ideas and a couple of laughs along the way. If you have any questions or topics of discussion, I'd gladly hear them.

Cheers,
Daan