PhD position on Computational modeling of 3D printing of composite materials for thermal management

• Hours40 hr.

• Salary indication€ 2,541 - € 3,247

• Deadline15 Jan 2023

Complex mechanical devices are increasingly manufactured based on 3D printing methods, also known as additive manufacturing. In this project, the focus is on the benefits and challenges of additive manufacturing when mixtures of metal powder and 2D nanomaterials such as graphene are considered as feedstock material for the powder from which 3D prints are made. This is believed to create new devices that, due to the inclusion of 2D nanomaterials possess intriguing new properties, among which unseen levels of thermal transport. The most promising fabrication method considered in this project is laser powder bed fusion which starts from micron-sized powder particles on which a laser beam is directed to create intense and local melting. By repeating this process ‘layer by layer’ a 3D object can be fabricated in virtually any form. Apart from issues related to the strength, achievable feature sizes and durability of these devices, thermal transport plays an important role.

When powders of different materials are put together and molten under the laser beam, a whole range of interacting multiphase phenomena takes place on multiple length- and time scales that together give rise to the mechanical properties of the manufactured devices. A thorough understanding of the phenomena is crucial for the improvement of the process control, and ultimately for the quality of the devices. The details of the underlying physics and chemistry at different scales controlling the behavior of the powder during the 3D printing process are still poorly understood. This involves, e.g., the degree of spatial de-mixing of the constituents of the powder, the formation of permanent structures from the molten mixture and the resulting thermal and mechanical features of the final material.

In this project, experimental techniques and computational modeling are combined to explore additive manufacturing with this composite printing powder, also referred to as ‘ThermoDust’. The vacancy for the experimental work has been filled and we are now looking for a PhD candidate who will focus on the corresponding computational modeling of the materials and the processes.
The computational modeling research will employ multiscale methods based on nonlinear systems of partial differential equations that describe the interaction between the laser and the compound printing powder. This will be used to predict process conditions under which excellent thermal and mechanical properties can be induced in the manufactured devices.

International collaboration between scientists from Ireland (Dublin), Spain (Barcelona), Italy (Milan) and the Netherlands (Twente) strengthens this project and brings in a range of expertise that broadens the scope of the work.

Your first responsibility is to carry out the research and publish your work in scientific journals and proceedings. You are also encouraged to acquire teaching experience. We support you to broaden your knowledge by joining international exchange programs, by participating in national and international conferences and workshops and by visiting industrial companies, research institutes, and universities worldwide.

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before January 15, 2023 and include:

• Your CV
• A transcript of your Diploma, courses taken, and grades achieved
• A motivation letter explaining your interest in the topic of the research, your skills toward the goals of the project and your personal traits
• Contact information of two references that we may contact for additional consultation

For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact Dr. Davoud Jafari ([email protected]), Dr. ir. Wessel Wits ([email protected]) and Prof. Bernard Geurts ([email protected])

The ThermoDust project at the University of Twente brings together scientists from the Faculties of Engineering Technology (ET) and of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS).

The computational modeling research will focus on the 3MS group – Mathematics of Multiscale Modeling and Simulation. This group has a strong expertise in the development of accurate high-performance simulation methods, adhering to the basic structures and principles of physics and chemistry.

The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) uses mathematics, electronics and computer technology to contribute to the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With ICT present in almost every device and product we use nowadays, we embrace our role as contributors to a broad range of societal activities and as pioneers of tomorrow's digital society. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.