IRP3—mechanics of materials, mechanical engineering, finite element methods

Research topic:

Finite element modelling of a microrobotic test and simulation of the fibre-droplet behavior

Recruiting organization:

Tampere University of Technology, Tampere, Finland

Laboratory of Materials Science

Application deadline:

March 11th 2018 (24.00 EET / 22.00 UTC)

Starting time:

June 2018 or as mutually agreed (1-2 months changes to the intended starting time are possible)

Contract duration:

36 months

Trial period:

The appointment is subject to the satisfactory completion of a trial period of 4 months

Gross salary, before mandatory employer deductions (22%) AND income tax:

€4226.26 (for those without family)

€4726.26 (for those with family or children at the time of the recruitment)

The family status will be determined at the date of the (first) recruitment. For more details, see Section 5 of the MSCA-ITN guide.

Benefits

TUT offers a range of staff benefits e.g., occupational health care, flexible working hours, excellent campus sport facilities, and restaurants and cafés on campus with staff discounts.

Finland has one of the most advanced and comprehensive welfare systems in the world. It includes sickness, maternity, paternity and various family benefits, such as child-care services, and a comprehensive healthcare system. For more details, check the EU Comission’s document on social security rights in Finland
Tampere is the largest inland city in the Nordic countries and one of three most rapidly growing regions in Finland. Today, the city is best known for its high tech expertise and extensive know-how in various fields. The city is an industrial powerhouse that enjoys a rich cultural scene and a reputation as a centre of Finland’s information society (https://visittampere.fi/).

 

Scientific content

The research work for the IRP3 project tackles the challenges of micro-scale material properties of interfaces. In the future, small-scale testing of fibers and fiber-matrix samples must be robotized and the data output converted into as efficient as possible material data. However, the test systems have various sources of errors and inaccuracy. To overcome these challenges along with fundamental limitations, a real test system as well as typical samples must be modelled and tests simulated.

The aim of this IRP3 project is to launch a PhD candidate into the world of continuum modelling of a micro-robotic testing system and typical material samples used in it. The ultimate outcomes are the methods producing valid material properties for selected material samples, and also the general understanding and suggestions to improve the testing system in terms of efficient material data extraction and accuracy.

The modelling work focuses on interface modelling, damage modelling in polymers and interfaces, and on the statistical data implementation for finite element methods. As a starting point, the modelling code is ABAQUS standard/explicit and the implemented (interface) modelling methods, such as cohesive element modelling. For later work stages, user-defined material models are needed. The work is conducted in close collaboration with the other projects of the ITN in order to form a solid experimental reference and validation background.

The research in this project makes an impact to the scientific fields of fibers and micro-composites. The research area of micro-scale testing and micro-scale material properties is a field where new findings are actively sought for. The modern multi-scale simulation methods require fundamental and valid micro-scale material models. These modelling needs have been realized especially in the fields of papermaking, aerospace and medical technology.

 

The general requirements for all FibreNet positions apply here, i.e.:

  • you may already be in a PhD program but you cannot be a PhD holder,
  • you must have less than 4 years of research experience, i.e., you should be an early-stage researcher,
  • you must not have resided or carried out your main activity in the country of the hiring organization for more than 12 months during the last 3 years immediately prior to the recruitment (short stays such as holidays and/or compulsory national service are not taken into account), and
  • you should have a high-level knowledge of the English language.

 

Furthermore, the position-related requirements are:

  • Master’s degree in mechanics of materials, mechanical engineering, or computer sciences; experience or knowledge of applications of finite element methods is necessary; experience in materials testing, programming, or advanced probabilistic methods is an advantage,
  • enrollment as a doctoral student at TUT within four months, and
  • ability to work independently as a member of TUT research team and of the FibreNet community.

 

How to apply:

Applications must be submitted in English by using the TUT online application form for this vacancy.

 

Mandatory appendices:

  • a Curriculum Vitae,
  • a letter of motivation (maximum of one page),
  • the contact details of two referees,
  • a copy of B.Sc. and M.Sc. certificates with annexes, and
  • a language certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, Cambridge Language Certificate (Proficiency CPE or Advanced CAE) if available.

 

For more information on:

 

In case no suitable candidates are found, Tampere University of Technology reserves the right to re-open the call.