Experimental study of bond quality in extrusion based 3D printing and multi-scale modelling

29 Mar 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

KU Leuven

Research Field

Engineering » Mechanical engineering

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Belgium

Application Deadline

30 Apr 2024 - 00:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

38 hours/week

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Reference Number

BAP-2024-197

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Outline:Fused Filament/Pellet Fabrication (FFF/FPF) is one of the best-known 3D printing techniques to produce thermoplastic components. It is based on thermal energy driven material extrusion and is used to manufacture parts with complex, unique geometries in small series, as well as in large volumes. In the Advanced Manufacturing Lab (AML) of KU Leuven, campus de Nayer, a thermal model to predict and simulate the build temperature of FFF/FPF printed parts based on the geometry, material and process has been developed [doi:10.1007/s40964-022-00271-0] and validated under various conditions. This PhD will go a step further from predicting temperature, to predicting bond quality and part performance as well.
Content:The objective of this PhD is, first of all, to build up relevant expertise and gain physical insights in the dependence of the print quality (bond strength, part deformation) on the chosen process and design. The second objective is to give input to and experimentally validate a physics-based multiscale model (made by a colleague) of the printing process and parts from the thermal and thermomechanical aspects. The thermal aspects are experimentally studied using in-situ thermal monitoring with existing equipment (thermography at a spatial resolution of 31 µm/pixel). For the thermomechanical aspects, printed part deformations and bond strengths will be measured for different processes and designs. Dedicated printing experiments, based on isothermal as well as non-isothermal processes, will be designed to validate the bond quality (morphology and mechanical strength) of the resulting printed parts. Interfacial tension and/or shear experiments on macro parts with uniform bond quality and/or on single-strand samples, will be used to reveal the degree of bond healing, characterising the mechanical bond strength . 

Requirements

Research Field

Engineering

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Research Field

Engineering

Years of Research Experience

None

Additional Information
Benefits

• Ph.D. fellowship for the duration of a maximum of 4 years at a competitive salary.
• A challenging project with a very large industrial valorisation potential 
• A multidisciplinary training and international working environment
• A highly valued academic environment and multi-cultural working group

Eligibility criteria

• A Master's degree in Science or Engineering with a background in Mechanical Engineering, Material Engineering, Applied Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering or an equivalent Master’s degree. 
• The candidate preferably has a background both in Manufacturing and modelling, but eagerness to learn is certainly just as important. Understanding thermal transfer mechanisms is considered an added value.
• Graduation with distinction is a requirement to start the PhD
• Hand-on experience with experiment equipment (e.g., hardware, mechanical test, thermography) is preferred
• Expertise in additive manufacturing with a focus on fused filament fabrication (FFF) is a plus. 
• Being fluent in English (both speaking and writing) is a must 
• You are creative and a team worker 
• You are curious, and application driven with an interest in science and technology

Selection process

For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Eleonora Ferraris, tel.: +32 16 37 28 84, mail: [email protected] or Mr. Jie Zhang, tel.: +32 15 68 81 00, mail: [email protected] .
 You can apply for this job no later than April 30, 2024 via the online application tool of the KU Leuven.
Please, provide your CV, motivation letter, and transcripts. Highlight in your CV the relevant expertise matching the demanded background as described above. Hence, indicate your knowledge in FFF and/or filament extrusion and/or numerical modelling. Also, indicate how you have distinguished yourself during your academic career until now. Clearly list your GPA (and GPA ranking if available), your (journal) publications as first author, talks or research grants/scholarships, if any.
KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at [email protected] .

You can apply for this job no later than 30/04/2024 via the online application tool

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

KU Leuven

Country

Belgium

State/Province

Antwerpen

City

Sint-Katelijne-Waver

Postal Code

2860

Street

Sint-Katelijne-Waver

Where to apply

Website

https://easyapply.jobs/r/dkYIsqd21CQwad1mTsHw

Contact

State/Province

Sint-Katelijne-Waver

City

Antwerpen

Street

Sint-Katelijne-Waver

Postal Code

2860

STATUS: EXPIRED