The ThermoPlastic composites Research Center (TPRC) and University of Twente are looking for a postdoctoral researcher on the topic of compression molding of chopped unidirectional fiber reinforced thermoplastic flakes.

The projects concerns the compression molding of chopped unidirectional fiber reinforced flakes, which is a manufacturing process that is very suitable for a broad range of automotive and aero structural parts. Compression molding of discontinuous fiber reinforced thermoplastics combines short processing times with good mechanical performance of produced parts. Moreover, it allows for a large degree of freedom in terms of design. During the molding, the compound is subjected to flow due to redistribution in the mold and filling of details like ribs. The material flow affects the fiber orientation distribution in the part, which in turn influences the mechanical properties. Prediction of mold filling behavior and the resulting fiber orientation distribution is complex, as the flow and the fiber orientation are strongly coupled. The flow affects the fiber orientation, while simultaneously fiber orientation affects the flow.

You will develop a physical based material model for long fiber reinforced thermoplastics in melt conditions. Your model should predict the local fiber orientation in the compound as caused by the flow and the local resistance against flow caused by fiber orientation. Moreover, you will cooperate in the development of experimental techniques to characterize the fiber orientation prior to and after molding. You will work alongside a PhD student who develops a simulation tool to predict how the compound fills the cavities of a mold. The, to be developed, material model will serve as input for the simulation tool.

• You have obtained a PhD degree in composites manufacturing processes or a related discipline with a specialization in long fiber composites.
• A strong background in rheology and nonlinear solid mechanics is required.
• We welcome candidates with strong communication skills who can present their work at conferences and (project) meetings. Fluency in English is required, both spoken and written. You need to provide IELTS test results (minimum score of 6.5), TOEFL-iBT (minimum score of 90) or Cambridge CAE or CPE.

INFORMATION AND APPLICATION

Your application should include the following documents:

• A cover letter carefully describing research interests and goals
• CV (including contact information for at least two academic references)
• Transcripts from your Bachelors, Masters and PhD degrees
• Transcripts of your language certificates

Please upload your application by link below before February 17, 2019

• We offer a challenging full-time postdoc position in an inspiring multidisciplinary environment. The duration of the contract is 2 years
• The gross monthly salary will range from € 3.255,- to € 4.274,- and will depend on experience and qualifications. In addition, an annual holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an annual year-end bonus of 8.3%
• A solid pension scheme;
• Minimum of 29 leave days in case of full-time employment;
• Professional and personal development programs.

The project will be executed at the faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) of the University of Twente in Enschede, the Netherlands. You will be part of the Mechanics of Solids, Surfaces and Systems (MS3) department, a team of approximately 75 academics and PhD’s which deal with the topics production technology, composites, solid mechanics, tribology and system engineering. More specifically, you will be part of the Nonlinear Solid Mechanics (NSM) and Production Technology (PT) research chairs.

The project is sponsored by TRPC and the University of Twente. TPRC is an open innovation, research and development center, located in Enschede, which concentrates on application of thermoplastic composites.

The University of Twente. We stand for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which leads change, innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university of the Netherlands; divided over five faculties we provide more than fifty educational programmes. We have a strong focus on personal development and talented researchers are given scope for carrying out groundbreaking research.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Because of our diversity values we do particularly support women to apply.

The Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) is one of the five faculties of the University of Twente. ET combines Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering. Our faculty has approximately 1800 bachelor and master students, 400 employees and 150 PhD candidates. The departments of the faculty cooperatively conduct the educational programmes and participate in interdisciplinary research projects, programmes and the research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centra and Digital Society Institute.