PhD Researcher MC4.05237

Casting practice of high-strength aluminium alloys shows that, despite improvements in casting technology and casting recipes, cold cracks still remain a problem when producing large ingots from known alloys or while testing new, stronger alloys. The aims of the project are: - gaining fundamental insight into fracture mechanisms that result in catastrophic failure of castings, e.g. direct-chill cast ingots,
- examination of mechanical properties of high-strength aluminium alloys in a wide range of structures and compositions, and development of a criterion of cold cracking as applicable to commercial casting processes. This project is a good combination of fundamental and applied research, including both extensive experimental program and computer simulations. The research programme involves fundamental insight into the nature of fracture nucleation and growth with the aim to reveal main structure features responsible to crack initiation and propagation. The PhD researcher will actively participate in an unprecedented experimental program aimed at the accumulation of a set of constitutive properties and their correlation to structure and alloy composition. Thermo-mechanical computer simulations of real direct-chill casting process will be performed using one of advanced FEM packages and will be combined with fracture-mechanics calculations of critical stresses that are based on the findings of this project. Based on the experimental work and computer simulation, the PhD researcher will develop a criterion of cold cracking that will be validated against casting practice. The PhD candidate will have a unique opportunity to work and interact with a multi-disciplinary, international team of researchers within the Light Metals Processing group of TU Delft and Molten Aluminium Processing group of Corus. Both research groups have a long-standing experience in solidification research supported by extensive experimental facilities.

University Graduate
He/she should also be comfortable to work in close cooperation with industrial partners since this is an essential part of the project programme.

The PhD candidate should have:
- a Master degree in mechanics, mechanical engineering, physical metallurgy, or related subjects
- a good knowledge of English is required for a candidate
- the ability to combine challenging experimental work with computer simulations

Candidates who have a background in mechanics (mechanical engineering) and some experience in computer simulations are considered as advantageous.

The PhD Researcher will obtain a doctorate degree awarded by Delft University of Technology.

All applicants are asked to submit the list of grades of their Masters study and a statement of purpose.

The vacancy is located in Delft.

Please note that the deadline to apply for this vacancy is 6 June 2006.

Additional information about the job:
When fulfilling a PhD position at the NIMR, you will be given the status of PhD Researcher. You will have employee status and will be eligible for all the employee benefits offered by the NIMR. The contract is for 4 years. Gross salary for the first year is EUR 2,086 gross per month. This amount increases to EUR 2,408 gross per month in the fourth year.
Your thesis should be completed at the end of your four year term with the NIMR. A training programme is part of the agreement. You and your supervisor will draw up a plan for any additional training and supervision you specifically need.

Netherlands Institute for Metals Research NIMR

Estimated maximum salary per month: eur 2000 - 2500
Employment basis: Temporary for specified period
Duration of the contract: 4 years
Maximum hours per week: 40

 
Or additional information can be obtained through one of the following links.

You can apply for this job before 06-06-2006 by sending your application to:

Only applicants who have submitted their cv, a statement of purpose and a list of their Masters education will be taken into consideration.

When applying for this job always mention the vacancy number AT/MC4.05237.