Do you want to help develop innovative and environmentally friendly technologies for the future?

The Fuel Cells and Solid State Chemistry Division at Risø DTU and DTU Mechanical Engineering have been granted a 4-year project, OPTIMAC, to investigate the optimized processing of multi-material architectures for functional ceramics. Many devices, including fuel cells, electrolyzers, gas separation membranes and magnetic refrigeration units, contain functional ceramics. Their performance may be improved by grading the ceramic materials, i.e. making multi-material components. The processing of such components is challenging, and it is the objective of the project to increase our understanding of the processes involved, including shaping, sintering and mechanical behavior.

The project takes place in collaboration between Risø DTU and leading Danish and international research institutions and companies. We now have openings for 5 positions in the project.

Job description
Extrusion is a process where a material is pushed through a die of the desired cross-section. In the project you will develop a detailed viscoelastic numerical model for simulating the extrusion process of bi-layer extruded material. The model should be able to track the details of fluid deformations and stream lines. In addition, deformation at the so called die entry (extensional viscosity) and wall slip effects will also be included in the model. The modeling work will be targeted to achieve knowledge regarding the process parameters influencing the stability (mixing) of the bi/tri-layer interfaces. The results of the model will be validated with experimental results obtained in the project.

Qualifications

• M.Sc. in engineering, materials science, chemistry, geology, physics or similar
• experience with modelling
• knowledge of heat transfer and fluid flow
• Knowledge in ceramic processing
• ability to work independently, to plan and carry out complicated tasks, and to be a part of a large, dynamical group
• good communication skills in English, both written and spoken

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.

We offer
We offer an exciting and challenging job in an international environment. Good possibilities for professional and personal growth. A family friendly organisation with flexible working hours.

Salary and appointment terms
The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The period of employment is 3 years.

Application
We must have your online application by 15 August 2010. Please open the link "apply online" and fill in the application form and attach your application and CV.

Further information
Please contact Professor Jesper Hattel, DTU Mechanical Engineering, jhat@mek.dtu.dk, tel.: + 45 4525 4710, for further information.

Additional information about DTU and DTU Mechanical Engineering Department can be found on www.dtu.dk.