PhD Position in Gear Transmission Tribology

Applications are invited for a PhD position at Luleå University of Technology, Division of Machine Elements for research on a FFI funded project 'Gear transmission tribology'.

The Division of Machine Elements at Ltu focuses on tribological research and it is internationally known for its frontier research in the field of tribology.Its resources include a state of the art tribology research laboratory, Tribolab.Presently, a team of 9 senior researchers and 20 Ph.D students are engaged in research pertaining to various aspects of tribology employing both the experimental and modelling approaches.


The focus of research in 'Gear transmission tribology' will be on the reduction of losses in the drive train.The aim is to develop an understanding of the mechanisms behind torque dependant losses in gear transmissions and find methods to reduce the them while ensuring durability of the machine components.The research will investigate as to how the different base stocks such as hydrocracked base stocks, PAOs and GTL (gas to liquid) stocks influence losses under rolling/sliding conditions with high load and high shear.At later stages of the project, wear and pitting protection of the most promising fluids will also be investigated using twin-disc and gear test machines.

The research work will be carried out in close collaboration with Volvo Construction Equipment AB, Scania CV and and a lubricanting manufacturering company.

Applicants should possess or expect to obtain an MSc engineering degree in a relevant field.The project would particularly suit mechanical engineering graduates interested in the tribology of machine components.

The position is available with immediate effect and will be supervised by Prof.Braham Prakash and Prof.Erik Höglund.

Application procedure

The application should include the candidate's curriculum vitae.university transcripts/grades record, degree certificates and at least two references with their contact details.The last date for submission of applications is September 30, 2009.

Contact Details



Last day for application: September 30, 2009

Related links can be found at LTU hompage through the following link:
http://www.ltu.se/omltu/ledigajobb/d21832/d21835/1.51286