In collaboration with the ThermoPlastic composites Research Centre TPRC, the Production Technology chair at the University of Twente has a post-doc position available on topology mapping of the microstructure of thermoplastic composites.

Background and challenge
Thermoplastic composite (TPC) materials offer lightweight solutions for energy efficient vehicles, combined with improved recycling opportunities compared to their thermoset counterparts. The applicability of recycled TPCs hinges on the resulting part performance, which in turn depends on the material structure: the distribution of matrix, fibres, including their length and orientation, and possible porosities.

Especially for recycled TPCs this material structure is subject to scatter, compromising the mechanical performance of a recycled component. Phase contrast micro X-ray computed tomography (µX-CT) makes it possible to characterize the local structure of carbon fibre composites with high accuracy. It is, however, far from trivial to translate such data to meaningful structural information based on which the mechanical performance can be understood and predicted.

The aim of the current project is to develop a reproducible procedure to acquire the relevant data by ?X-CT, perform segmentation and discretization of the topologies of the separate phases to enable structural analysis (e.g. by finite elements) of the considered composite material and thus to predicts its mechanical performance.

Job description
We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to strengthen our research team. Your research focuses on the development of a robust procedure for the acquisition and accurate segmentation of high contrast ?X-CT data for a range of resolutions and successive structural analysis by means of mechanical simulations. Within the project, you will collaborate with other researchers on composite materials and share your results with the industrial partners.

You are a highly motivated researcher who is driven by curiosity and has:

• a PhD degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics or equivalent,
• experimental and theoretical skills in ?X-CT imaging,
• programming experience in scripting languages like Python or Matlab,
• preferably experience with detailed mechanical simulations,
• proficiency in English, both spoken and written (we require a TOEFL > 90 or IELTS > 6.5 score).

We offer a full-time post-doc position for 18 months. It also includes:

• Gross monthly salary between € 4.020,- / € 5.278,- per month depending on experience and qualifications according to the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Universities (CAO)
• Excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, a solid pension scheme, and 29 vacation in days in case of full-time employment;
• Excellent laboratory and support facilities, including a fully equipped ?X-CT apparatus;
• A green campus with free access to sports facilities and an international scientific community;
• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).

Please submit your application before 20 October, 2024 by using the “Apply now” button, and include:

• A cover letter of at most 1 page A4, explaining your motivation for the application, and why you qualify for this project;
• A Curriculum Vitae, including contact information for at least two academic references;
• A half?A4 page summary of your PhD research;
• A half?A4 page summary of your X-CT expertise;
• Transcripts from your MSc and PhD degree.

Interviews will be held following the submission closure, in November 2024.

Additional information about this position can be acquired from prof.dr.ir. Remko Akkerman (r.akkerman@utwente.nl).