Subject:
PhD Position on Computer Modelling of the FricRiveting Process
Within the scope of activities of the new workgroup “Advanced Polymer-Metal Hybrid Structures”, applications are being sought for one PhD student.
The PhD Scholarship on Computer Modelling of the FricRiveting Process (Code-No.: 2010/WM 4) is for a 3 years period (starting 15.08.2010).
The new workgroup belongs to the Institute of Materials Research at GKSS Research Center, Germany (http://www.gkss.de). The group was established within the prestigious Helmholtz-Young Investigator Group Programme* in cooperation with the Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH). The research of the group focuses on the investigation of the new hybrid structures on Fibre Reinforced Plastics/Lightweight Metals produced by advanced joining technologies.
Eligible PhD-candidates must hold an outstanding university MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering or Computational Mechanics. Experience in FEM and/or CFD modelling (thermal and/or mechanical) of Joining Processes is essencial. Additional knowledge in modelling/simulation of solid-state joining process (e.g. of friction stir welding or friction stir spot welding), Artificial Neural Networks and/or in characterization of Polymer-Metal Interfaces is an asset. Fluency in English is obligatory (TOEFL or IELTS proficiency preferred) and German knowledge an asset. Flexibility, teamwork, and the will to supervise students and to participate in R&D projects complete the profile of the candidate.
Content of work:
The PhD candidate is expected to model and simulate the novel friction-based joining technology FricRiveting (GKSS patent) designed for the fabrication of structural polymer-metal joints. The innovative character of this technique has been recognized by the industrial and scientific communities being awarded with different international prizes. Models are important to fully describe and understand the temperature evolution, the deformation regime of the metal and polymer partners and joint mechanical behaviour. The selected PhD-candidate is expected to investigate the properties of Al, Mg, Ti / non-reinforced, reinforced thermoplastics hybrid joints through:
- FEM and CFD process modelling (e.g. with Abaqus and COMSOL) and validation by experimental results (e.g.microscopy, mechanical testing) supported by Artificial Neural Network (ANN) analysis for time and material savings
- FEM modelling of the joint mechanical properties
We offer an appropriate salary related to TV-AVH (Gross 2900 Euros per Month) as well as the usual public sector social benefits.
As equal opportunity/affirmative action employer we seek to increase the proportion of female faculty members. Qualified women are therefore especially encouraged to apply. Handicapped persons with equal qualifications will be preferred.
Please send your application indicating Code-No.: 2010/WM 4 preferably by E-Mail (as pdf-file including CV and copies of master degree, university certificates and two letters of reference) to:
personal@gkss.de
or to our personnel division.
(http://www.helmholtz.de/forschung/forschung_foerdern/nachwuchsfoerderung/helmholtz_nachwuchsgruppen/)
Closing date for applications from 06.07.2010 until 03.08.2010
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