PhD on 'Bioinspired Composites: Manufacturing and Multi-scale Characterization'
PhD on 'Bioinspired Composites: Manufacturing and Multi-scale Characterization'
You cannot apply for this job anymore (deadline was 23 Jun 2024).
Browse the current job offers or choose an item in the top navigation above.
Job description
The Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) has the following vacancy
PhD student 'Bioinspired Composites: Manufacturing and Multi-scale Characterization'
in the section Mechanics of Materials, Department of Mechanical Engineering.
The PhD student position is available in the section Mechanics of Materials and will be supervised by Dr. Tommaso Magrini (Tommaso Magrini Google Scholar).
The Mechanics of Materials (MoM) Section
The Section of Mechanics of Materials (MoM) at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) seeks to analyse, model and understand the influence of the microstructure on the performance of materials. The main challenge of the Section is the accurate prediction of the mechanical properties of materials, and how they can be tailored for targeted industrial and societal applications. Understanding and modelling the processes that influence the evolution of microstructures is thereby a key challenge. The Section has a unique research infrastructure, both from an experimental and computational perspective.
Bioinspired Composites: Context and Aim of the Project
Biological structural materials, like mother-of-pearl and bone, despite containing a high-volume fraction of brittle constituents, calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate respectively, are among the most fracture resistant materials on the planet. This remarkable feature is a consequence of their hierarchical reinforcing architecture, that nature has genetically programmed to dissipate fracture energy across multiple length scales. Replicating the internal structure of biological structural materials in synthetic composites can pave the way for new classes of structural and functional engineering components, that have applications in the aerospace and automotive industries. Contrary to nature, synthetic composites are often obtained as the result of sequential processing steps that involve high pressure and high temperature. The effect of processing on the reinforcing structure and on the mechanical performance the composites is still object of debate. Understanding and controlling the distribution of stresses introduced during manufacturing is key to further optimize the mechanical performance of bioinspired composites and to fully expand their application range in contexts where high strength, high fracture resistance and additional functionalities are needed.
In this project, you will study the effect of the reinforcing architecture on the mechanical performance bioinspired composites. A multi-scale experimental approach will be key to investigate the role of the microstructure on the failure mechanisms that affect the materials. Ceramic and polymer processing, combined with advanced materials characterization techniques, ranging from electron microscopy to micro-mechanical testing will be employed to succeed in this ambitious project.
PhD student 'Bioinspired Composites: Manufacturing and Multi-scale Characterization'
in the section Mechanics of Materials, Department of Mechanical Engineering.
The PhD student position is available in the section Mechanics of Materials and will be supervised by Dr. Tommaso Magrini (Tommaso Magrini Google Scholar).
The Mechanics of Materials (MoM) Section
The Section of Mechanics of Materials (MoM) at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) seeks to analyse, model and understand the influence of the microstructure on the performance of materials. The main challenge of the Section is the accurate prediction of the mechanical properties of materials, and how they can be tailored for targeted industrial and societal applications. Understanding and modelling the processes that influence the evolution of microstructures is thereby a key challenge. The Section has a unique research infrastructure, both from an experimental and computational perspective.
Bioinspired Composites: Context and Aim of the Project
Biological structural materials, like mother-of-pearl and bone, despite containing a high-volume fraction of brittle constituents, calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate respectively, are among the most fracture resistant materials on the planet. This remarkable feature is a consequence of their hierarchical reinforcing architecture, that nature has genetically programmed to dissipate fracture energy across multiple length scales. Replicating the internal structure of biological structural materials in synthetic composites can pave the way for new classes of structural and functional engineering components, that have applications in the aerospace and automotive industries. Contrary to nature, synthetic composites are often obtained as the result of sequential processing steps that involve high pressure and high temperature. The effect of processing on the reinforcing structure and on the mechanical performance the composites is still object of debate. Understanding and controlling the distribution of stresses introduced during manufacturing is key to further optimize the mechanical performance of bioinspired composites and to fully expand their application range in contexts where high strength, high fracture resistance and additional functionalities are needed.
In this project, you will study the effect of the reinforcing architecture on the mechanical performance bioinspired composites. A multi-scale experimental approach will be key to investigate the role of the microstructure on the failure mechanisms that affect the materials. Ceramic and polymer processing, combined with advanced materials characterization techniques, ranging from electron microscopy to micro-mechanical testing will be employed to succeed in this ambitious project.
Specifications
- max. 38 hours per week
- Eindhoven View on Google Maps
:fill(white)/logos/tue-en-wide_acOLN2b.png)
Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)
Requirements
Qualification of applicant
- Talented, enthusiastic candidates with excellent analytical and communication skills holding a university degree (MSc, with high grades) in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering are encouraged to apply.
- A background and strong interest in Mechanics of Materials and Materials Science is required.
- Experience in materials processing and micromechanics is of benefit.
Conditions of employment
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:
- Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
- Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,770 max. €3,539).
- A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
- High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
- An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
- An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
- A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.
Specifications
- PhD
- Engineering
- max. 38 hours per week
- University graduate
- V35.7424
