Multi-scale modelling of fused deposition 3D printing processes

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-2024-193

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 for the production of 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 model to predict and simulate the build temperature of FFF/FPF printed parts has been developed [doi:10.1007/s40964-022-00271-0]. This code, named T4F3: Temperature for Fused Filament Fabrication, has been successfully applied to simulate thermal evolution in products during the print process under various conditions. The model can be used to predict critical reheating temperatures for high-quality and optimise the print process of PLA (polylactic acid) and other polymers, parts. [https://iiw.kuleuven.be/onderzoek/aml/technologyoffer/FFFthermalsimulat… ] 
Content:The objective of this PhD is to develop a multiscale model for part and process simulation including coding and modelling of the mechanical bond quality. The key component is the coupling of the micro-scale polymer bond kinetics to the mesoscale bond strength and performance. To reach this objective, the KU Leuven T4F3 model will be integrated into the currently available Finite Element-based simulation environment of TU Eindhoven, which allows the mechanical analysis of print processes of larger parts, including thermal boundary conditions. The result will then be further extended and validated for free-form geometries and relevant shapes for the industry partners in the project (such as cylindrical and long bar-shaped designs). The bond development (kinetics, morphology, strength) will be studied under various thermal processes, including isothermal and non-isothermal processes above the glass transition temperature of an amorphous and/or semicrystalline thermoplastic material. Eventually, a theory of local bond quality will be achieved for an arbitrary temperature history typical in FFF/FPF printed parts. Experimental work (to be done by a colleague) will provide input to the model and will be used for model validation. 

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

● a joint Ph.D. fellowship with the university of KU Leuven and TU Eindhoven for the duration of a maximum of 4 years at a competitive salary. ● A challenging project with a very large industrial exploitation 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 or  Material Engineering or Chemical Engineering or Computer Science, or Applied Physics or Aerospace Engineering… or an equivalent Master’s degree. ● The candidate preferably has a background  modelling with interest in manufacturing and/or polymer processing,  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● Proficiency in the programming languages for scientific computing such as Python, Matlab and/or C++.● Expertise in additive manufacturing with 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 ([email protected] , +3215316944) or Dr. Ir. Joris Remmers ([email protected] , +31402473175).

You can apply for this job no later than April 30, 2024 via the online application tool: https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/jobs/60319504

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 and TU Eindhoven seek 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/njYICQn21CQMUn2UMIG7

Contact

State/Province

Sint-Katelijne-Waver

City

Antwerpen

Street

Sint-Katelijne-Waver

Postal Code

2860

STATUS: EXPIRED