In the automotive industry Finite Element (FE) simulations are used for formability analyses to reduce the cost and lead time of new vehicle programmes. An accurate forming analysis of an automotive part can only be made if the material behaviour and friction conditions are modelled accurately. For material models, significant improvements have been made in the last decade, but the accuracy of friction models is lagging behind. Therefore improved friction models are needed that can be used in forming simulations of automotive parts. In order to better understand contact and friction conditions, experimental and theoretical studies have been performed on the micro scale trying to take the interaction between single asperities into account. These micro geometry studies give a more physically correct relation between the roughness and the friction coefficient. For macro scale analysis the direct application of micro models is too time consuming, therefore a scale transition must be made between the micro and macro model.
To be able to use the micro scale data, macro scale models must be extended to give a realistic pressure distribution, even with very course models. Also, the friction model must distinguish between surface velocities in different directions. The directions and the surface properties itself will depend on the deformation of e.g. the sheet material. Robust algorithms must be developed that can take all of this into account.
The work that has to be performed in this project has a strong computational bias. The research integrates the field of computational mechanics and the field of tribology.

We are looking for a PhD student with a background in mechanical engineering or equivalent, with affiliation to computational mechanics. The research will be carried out at the University of Twente in The Netherlands, as co-operation between the chairs of ‘Mechanics of Forming Processes’ and ‘Surface Technology and Tribology’.

Additional information about the job:
When fulfilling a PhD position at M2i, the candidate will be given the status of PhD Researcher and will have an employee status. He/ she will be eligible for all employee benefits offered by the M2i. The contract is for 4 years. Gross salary for the first year is EUR 2,195 gross per month. This amount increases to EUR 2,533 gross per month in the fourth year. The thesis should be completed at the end of the four year term with M2i. The candidate and the supervisor will draw up a plan for any training and supervision that is specifically needed.

Materials innovation institute M2i

Estimated maximum salary per month: eur 2000 - 2500
Employment basis: Temporary for specified period
Duration of the contract: 4 years

 
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You can apply for this job before 31-01-2009 by sending your application to:

When applying for this job always mention the vacancy number AT MC1.07289a.