The rheology of uncured rubber compounds varies according to the compound recipe and environmental conditions. Identifying and assessing the key parameters that affect the response of uncured rubber samples to external forces becomes crucial to better understand the molding process in the tyre industry.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Following a literature analysis of raw materials and polymers, with special focus on uncured rubber, you will start identifying relevant uncured rubber compounds parameters and plan rheological tests on selected samples. The postprocessing of the outputs (flow curve, stress/strain curves etc.) will pave the way to start designing data-driven analysis, focused on identify key-parameters and trends. Finite element simulations will then be prepared to model the effect of different rubber flow characteristics on the molding process. The work will be validated by the molding process tests.

• MSc graduate in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Materials Engineering or equivalent.
• Theoretical and/or experimental skills in rubber in the field of e.g. material characterization, analysis, or mechanical performance.
• Experience with numerical modelling of the mechanical performance and experience with programming languages like Fortran or C++, scripting languages like Python or numerical computing environments like Matlab, COMSOL, ABAQUS or ANSYS.
• strong analytical skills and good communication skills
• can-do mindset, the ambition and talent to find solutions/craft designs
• strong problem-solving abilities and out-of-the-box thinking
• very good communication and interpersonal skills, teamwork, self-initiative, self-motivation and capacity to deliver accurate work are equally appreciated
• Applicants with a non-Dutch qualification and who have not had secondary and tertiary education in English can only be admitted with an IELTS-test showing a total band score of at least 6.5, internet. TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT) showing a score of at least 90, or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE).

• A very challenging position for two years, with the flexibility to work (partially) from home.
• A tailor made post-master design programme that has an educational component (~50%) as well as a design project (~50%).
• On successfully completing the program, you will receive a certified and recognized degree. You will be entitled to use the academic degree EngD (Engineering Doctorate), and will be registered as a Technological Designer in the Dutch register kept by the Royal Institution of Engineers in the Netherlands (KIVI).
• A gross monthly salary of € 2618,-
• There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
• A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
• This EngD thesis is planned to be continued as a PhD thesis assuming a successful outcome.