The Chair of Nonlinear Solid Mechanics, Faculty of Engineering Technology, University of Twente has an opening for a PhD candidate on understanding micro-mechanics of roughness transfer in steel strip rolling.

Emergence of “smart” industry 4.0 technologies challenges the conventional manufacturing processes such as rolling of steel strips. In this regard, requirements of automotive and packaging industries on surface texture of steel strips are becoming increasingly meticulous! Surface texture determines the visual appearance and tribological behavior of the strips.

The goal of this project is to understand the fundamental physics of roughness transfer from a textured roll surface to a metal strip surface and to identify determining physical phenomena which take place at the roll-bite contact. For this purpose, industrial- and lab-scale experiments will be performed to study the effect of different process parameters and a physics-based roughness transfer model will be developed. The results will be used by industry to design customized work roll textures for differentiated products and to ensure a robust and efficient transfer of the desired texture to steel strips.

For this project, we are looking for a PhD candidate with relevant expertise. The candidate will plan and execute his/her research towards the project goal, design and build dedicated experimental set-ups, perform experiments in our well-equipped mechanical testing lab and build numerical/analytical models of the production process.

The candidate will need to report his/her research during bi-weekly meetings of our research group and quarterly meetings with the industrial partner. The candidate is encouraged to interact significantly with the partners and present his/her results at the international scientific conferences and publish them in academic literature. Furthermore, the researcher will be encouraged to tutor MSc students who do their final assignment on sub-projects pertaining to the current research project.

-       MSc. degree in Mechanical or Materials Engineering with excellent results and a special interest in modelling and production processes.

-       Prior knowledge in nonlinear solid mechanics, computational methods, materials science and experimental methods is required.

-       Ideally, a proven background in finite element analysis, crystal plasticity and sheet metal forming.

-       Curious and highly motivated to do interdisciplinary scientific research with a clear industrial application.

-       Working independently and taking ownership for your own research.

-       Strong written and oral communication skills. Proficiency in English is required, both spoken and written. You need to provide IELTS test results (minimum score 6.5) or TOEFL-iBT (minimum score 90). The latter is not necessary for native speakers of English or whose MSc program was in English.

The UT provides a dynamic and international environment, combining the benefits of academic research with a topic of high industrial relevance, excellent working conditions, an exciting scientific environment, and a green and lively campus. We offer:

-       a full-time 4-year PhD position;

-       We provide excellent mentorship and a stimulating international research environment with excellent facilities;

-       a professional and personal development program within Graduate School Twente;

-       a starting salary of € 2.395 in the first year and a salary of € 3.061 in the fourth year gross per month;

-       a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%;

-       a solid pension scheme;

-       a minimum of 29 holidays per year in case of fulltime employment.