PhD position in Micro-mechanics of dynamic friction in a single-grain contact

10 Apr 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

University of Twente (UT)

Research Field

Technology

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Netherlands

Application Deadline

12 May 2024 - 21:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Not Applicable

Hours Per Week

40.0

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

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

No

Offer Description

At the Surface Technology and Tribology (STT) chair in the faculty of Engineering Technology (ET), we are currently seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to research on the topic of friction mechanisms in single-grain sliding.

The challenge

Under highly accelerated slip, several physical phenomena contribute to the dynamic friction behavior of mechanical systems. Understanding friction in grain (micro)-scale contacts is relevant to several industrial and geo-mechanical systems. For example, loss of friction and slip causes errors in highly accurate positioning stages in lithography. Earthquakes also occur due to sudden slip when the frictional strength of the crushed rock granules in geological faults is overcome.

We plan to study the friction phenomena in a single-grain (asperity) contact by performing experiments to accurately model friction during high-acceleration sliding. Dynamic friction in single-grain (sphere-on-flat) contact in a fluid environment is affected by coupled phenomena such as frictional heating, fluid pressurization, etc. By instrumental analysis of single-grain experiments, we can formulate a physical basis for these friction processes and derive experimentally validated single-grain friction laws for highly dynamic slip. Our aim is:

To design and perform sliding experiments to investigate the micro-mechanics of dynamic frictional phenomena and develop friction laws for single-grain contact.
Job description

• The PhD candidate will plan and implement the research towards the project objectives by:
• participating in the design and development of a setup for highly dynamic sliding experiments.
• performing in-(/ex-)situ thermographic and spectroscopic studies to inspect and quantify variations in frictional forces and phenomena.
• developing experimentally validated, grain-scale friction models.
• working with an interdisciplinary team in partnering departments and universities to efficiently calibrate and implement friction models to build larger scale Multiphysics solvers.

You will actively participate during the progress meetings and discussions of our research chair and project partners. We encourage our researchers to present and publish their results at international conferences and in reputed journals.

Requirements
Specific Requirements

• MSc (masters) degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent, preferably with a background in tribology.
• Experience in experimental design and techniques is an advantage!
• You are passionate to learn and to improve.
• You thrive in a collaborative environment.
• You are proficient in English language and interpersonal skills.

Additional Information
Benefits

• A full-time 4-year PhD position.
• Excellent working conditions in a very exciting and creative environment within a green and lively campus.
• A professional and personal development program within Graduate School Twente, culminating in professional scientific development and leading to acquiring a PhD degree.
• You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 2.770,- (first year) to € 3.539,- (fourth year).
• There are attractive benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
• A proven pension scheme.
• Minimum of 29 holiday days per year in case of full-time employment.
• A vibrant ecosystem with encouraging colleagues and mentorship, where internationalization with equal opportunity is an important aspect of the strategic agenda.

Additional comments

If interested, please submit your application before 13th of May, 2024 using the “Apply now” button.

Applications should include the following documents:

• A motivation letter describing why you apply for this position, with a description of your research interests (no more than 1 A4).
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
• Contact information of 2 references
• Academic transcripts of courses from your Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
• IELTS (above 6.5) or TOEFL-iBT (above 90) test results, if your master’s program was not in English.

For more information, contact Dr. T. Mishra ([email protected] ) or Prof.dr.ir. M.B. de Rooij ([email protected] ).

Short-listed candidates will be invited for an (online) interview and a presentation which will probably take place from mid-May 2024.

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/340036/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Universiteit Twente

Country

Netherlands

City

Enschede

Postal Code

7522NB

Street

Drienerlolaan 5

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/340036/phd-position-in-micro-mechanics-of-d…

Contact

City

Enschede

Website

http://www.universiteittwente.nl/

Street

Drienerlolaan 5

Postal Code

7522 NB

STATUS: EXPIRED