PhD in materials science and technology - titanium alloys for aeroengines

The department of Materials and Manufacturing Technology consists of six research groups. The research activities span from basic research on nanostructural materials to product- and process related issues within materials and manufacturing technology.

The research is carried out in close collaboration with national and international industries and universities. Our graduate as well as undergraduate education is organized in a wide range of courses, we are involved in four masters’ programmes and three graduate schools.Information about the project
Welded structures and components are prerequisites for cost effective manufacturing of aero engine parts. A main objective of this PhD project is to explain why pores/defects are formed for certain welding parameters in laser welding; being the chosen welding method because of its importance. Since all types of pores/defects do not affect the mechanical properties it is also important to distinguish between pores/defects that are ”detrimental to properties” and those that are not. This will be investigated through mechanical testing of welds containing different types of pores/defects. The effect of weld geometry with regard to mechanical properties will also be investigated. The project will focus on titanium alloys. The outcome from this work will create better possibilities for enhanced design of welded structures and also improve the possibilities for optimum selection of material combinations in terms of forging/casting/sheet for the investigated alloys. Hence, improved light weight design of components and systems and cost savings in production can be expected.

GKN Aerospace Engine Systems has a long history of experience in welding of titanium alloys. For this research project  GKN will help with the manufacturing of relevant types of weld and material combinations. In order to gain a better understanding of the welding processes and instrumentation related issues, the PhD student involved in this project is expected to spend limited time working at the company and participate when some of these welding trials are conducted.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibilities as PhD student is to pursue your own doctoral studies. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing, both in Swedish and in English. The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 per cent of working hours.

Positions summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

Qualifications
* Masters Degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or another relevant subjects
* Basic courses in Materials Science and Engineering

To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in a relevant field.

The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in Swedish and English. If Swedish is not your native language, you should be able to teach in Swedish after two years. Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Application deadline: 2013-10-20

For questions, please contact:
Professor Uta Klement
Materials and Manufacturing Technology
E-mail: uta.klement@chalmers.se
Phone +46 (0)31 772 1264

Associate Professor Robert Pederson
Chalmers/GKN
E-mail: robert.pederson@gknaerospace.com
Phone +46 (0)520-292823




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Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society.

The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our eight Areas of Advance; Built Environment, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!