Job Materials innovation institute (M2i) - PhD Researcher (~328)

The main aim of this research proposal is to develop production methods and tools needed to achieve a high degree of reliability and integrity of the laser cladded components and simultaneously attaining high laser cladding (production) rates. Such methods and tools should be amenable ta easy implementation and integration in manufacturing industry and be suitable for different materials combinations without the need for any trial and error approach . This is to be achieved by design of an advanced control system, capable to optimize the thermal cycle with respect to stresses and (hot, cold, or delayed) cracking induced in a laser generated clad layers as weil as the substrate . Thermal and thermo-mechanical FEM models capable of predicting melt pool characteristics, clad geometry, distortion and cracking due the thermal stresses and their gradients as a function of the laser processing parameters will be developed and experimentally validated . Such models will provide guidelines for the development of the feedback controller of the cladding system and other tools.

 A database (OB) architecture will be designed such that it will be able to suggest suitable laser processing conditions to avoid cracking for the cosen material combination and clad dimensions. Relations between laser processing conditions (power, cladding speed, laser beam size and shape, powder feed rate, initial substrate temperature) and the resulting clad properties (clad geometry height & width, microstructure, hardness, dilution at the interface region, residual stresses, cracking)will be studied.

MSc. Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Physical Technology. He/ she has a keen interest in Materials Technology in combination with Mechatronics and Laser-Technology.

Further M2i requirements:

. Interest in applied scientific research,

. Well-developed communicative skills,

. Good proficiency in English (writing and speaking),

. Enthusiasm and team spirit.

When fulfilling a PhD position at M2i, the candidate will be given the status of PhD Researcher. He/she will have employee status and will be eligible for all the employee benefits offered by M2i. The contract is for 4 years. Gross salary for the first year is EUR 2,242 gross per month. This amount increases to EUR 2,587 gross per month in the fourth year. The PhD thesis should be completed at the end of the 4th year term with the M2i. The researcher and the supervisor will draw up a plan for any additional training and supervision that is specifically needed.

For more information about the University of Twente and the faculty and research group, please visit the following website:
 http://www.utwente.nl/en

The industrial partner involved in this project is Stork G&S. http://www.stork.com/