Application is invited for a researcher position to carry out metal forming tribology research at the Department of Mechanical Engineering (DTU Mekanik), Technical University of Denmark (DTU). Interest and experience within metal forming and metal forming tribology is required for the successful performance in this post.
The project is conducted in the research group on Metal Forming and Joining at the Division of Manufacturing Engineering (MPP), Department of Mechanical Engineering. The researcher position is part of a larger project: “New environmentally benign sheet metal forming tribology systems” funded by the Danish Council for Independent Research. Manning of the project includes three PhD students besides the researcher, who is expected to participate in supervision of the PhD students.
Responsibililties and tasks
The project aims at finding environmentally benign tribo-systems for sheet metal stamping of difficult materials such as advanced high strength steels, stainless steels, Al- and Ti-alloys, in order to replace present, environmentally hazardous lubricants. An off-line procedure for evaluation of new tribo-systems is to be developed based on a new, custom built PC/PLC controlled sheet-tribo-tester and a procedure including numerical analysis of the production process to select appropriate laboratory test parameters, which emulates the production conditions. Fundamental analysis of liquid lubrication in sheet stamping including influence of tailored tool surface topographies facilitating micro-hydrodynamic lubrication will form basis for improving limits of lubrication of environmentally acceptable lubricants developed and tested together with leading manufacturers. New tool coatings e.g. pure diamond, which impedes galling, will be tested.
Stamping of sheet metal by deep drawing, ironing and punching in tribologically difficult materials such as advanced high strength steel (AHSS), stainless steel, aluminium alloys and titanium alloys requires very efficient tribo-systems. It is often necessary to apply environmentally hazardous lubricants such as chlorinated paraffin oils to avoid lubricant film breakdown and galling, which lead to poor surface quality of formed components and eventually production stop. During the last decade legislation in Europe and Japan has been increasingly restrictive with respect to the industrial application of such lubricants and many sheet stamping industries are struggling to find alternative, environmentally benign lubricants. Testing of possible alternatives in the production line is, however, costly and problematic, due to the necessary production stops, cleaning of tools before introducing the new test lubricant, as well as production stops caused by possible lubricant film breakdown and pick-up of workpiece material on polished tool surfaces, which requires dismounting and repolishing of tools. The present project addresses the above mentioned problems via three lines of approach:
Fundamental research on analysis and modelling of liquid lubrication mechanisms
Development of methodology for off-line evaluation of performance of new tribo-systems
Development and testing of new tribo-systems
Qualifications
Candidates must hold a PhD degree or similar. Further qualifications:
Metal forming
Numerical modelling of large plastic deformations
Tribology
Numerical modelling of fluid flow
Experimental analysis
Self-motivation in scientific research
Ability to work independently, to plan and carry out complicated tasks
Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken
Assessment
In the assessment of the candidates consideration will be given to:
scientific production and research potential at international level
innovative skills and the ability to generate new ideas
the ability to communicate at all levels such as the provision of scientific advice to public sector authorities
the ability to promote and utilize research results
an all-round experience basis, preferably including international experience
the ability to contribute to development of the department’s internal and external cooperation
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 terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed with the relevant union. The period of employment is 24 months. Starting time of the post is August 1st, 2015.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Niels Bay, tel.: +45 4525 4764.
You can read more about Department of Mechanical Engineering on www.mek.dtu.dk.
Application procedure
Please submit your online application no later than July 1st, 2015. Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing 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:
Application (cover letter)
CV
Diploma (MSc/PhD – an official translation into English)
List of publications
Applications and enclosures received after the deadline will not be considered.
All qualified candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.