PhD scholarship in Experimental and Numerical Characterization of Nano-filled Polymers for Thin-Walled Micro Components, DTU Mechanical Eng
This comprises the mechanical behaviour of complex materials with nonlinear, dissipative and anisotropic characteristics, computational methods for dynamics of acoustical, mechanical and coupled acousto-mechanical systems at micro scale, but also the development of design methods such as topology optimization and advanced manufacturing technologies such as multi material micro moulding processes.
Responsibilities and tasks
The Ph.D. candidate will be working to develop and implement a novel holistic approach for the development of CNT filled polymer materials for highly demanding engineering applications (for example high performance shells for hearing aids). The ultimate goal of the Ph.D. project will be a set of numerical and experimental methods that can precisely control the quality of CNT filled polymers and predict the important properties of the composites by the numerical methods. The overall objective of the project can be divided into the following sub-objectives:
- Numerical and experimental optimization of the manufacturing process for thin walled structures (like the shells of hearing aids) with highly advanced thermoplastics filled with carbon nano tubes. Special emphasis will be given to the methods for controlling the alignments of CNTs and to avoid the aggregations of CNTs that may cause the formation of bundles or ropes in the polymer matrix.
- Numerical homogenization of the material behaviours along with the mechanical, thermal and electrical properties – experimental validation of the material properties will be conducted to validate the results obtained from the numerical methods.
- Finite element vibration analysis with the homogenized material properties and the frequency dependent properties of CNT filled plastics will be the part of the project. At this point the vibrational and damping performance of the thin walled structures will be tested simulating the conditions required for hearing aid applications.
Qualifications
Candidates should have a master’s degree in engineering or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to the master’s degree in engineering.
Approval and Enrolment
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.
Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Associate Professor Aminul Islam and Professor Jakob Søndergaard Jensen.
We offer
We offer an interesting and challenging job in an international environment focusing on education, research, public-sector consultancy and innovation, which contribute to enhancing the economy and improving social welfare. We strive for academic excellence, collegial respect and freedom tempered by responsibility. The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is a leading technical university in northern Europe and benchmarks with the best universities in the world.
Salary and appointment terms
The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The period of employment is 3 years.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Aminul Islam, tel.: +4545253937 and Professor Jakob Søndergaard Jensen, tel.: +4525 3936.
You can read more about CAMM on www.camm.elektro.dtu.dk.
Application
Please submit your online application no later than July 13, 2015. Applications must be submitted as one pdf filecontaining all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply online,” fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one pdf file. The file must include:
- A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
- Curriculum vitae
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (an official translation into English)
- Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and excel spreadsheet here)
Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master’s degree, but cannot begin before having received it.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
Apply no later than 13 July 2015