PhD Student in Prod. Tech. – Control of metal wire additive manufacturing

This PhD studentship position is in the field of sensors and control of wire based additive manufacturing of nickel based superalloys using laser technology.

The main application is within aero engine manufacturing. Since the temperature history during deposition to a great extent determines the material properties, strong emphasis will be put on how and where to robustly measure temperature during the process. The built shape also needs to be continuously measured and controlled in order to obtain a stable process. Other important issues are related to detection of process induced defects such as pores and lack of fusion between layers in the build. The research is application-oriented and conducted in close collaboration with industry.

The scientific work in the project

The general research question aims at better understanding of the relationships between what properties can be measured during deposition and how these influence the process stability and the material properties. The project has a mechatronic approach, which means that it covers both system integration of sensors and design of control actuation in a laser processing cell. This is also associated with algorithmic development and validation of the results. The work will be coordinated with material scientists to bridge the gap between the in-process control and the structural integrity of a final build.

PhD degree program: Production Technology

Research center: PhD students in Production Technology become members of the research group PTW (Production Technology West). The group collaborates with the engineering industry in the region at the Production Technology Centre, which houses an advanced research laboratory. For more information about our research center, go to https://www.hv.se/en/research/production-technology/  

Job description: The research program includes, in addition to participation in third-cycle courses and other activities, implementation of an independent thesis work. PhD students shall primarily devote themselves to their own education. A PhD student may, however, be engaged to a limited extent in education, research and administration, mainly within Production Technology. Such duties, before a PhD has been conferred, may not occupy more than 20 per cent of full-time working hours. (Higher Education Ordinance (SFS 1993:100) Chapter 5 section 2).

Qualification requirements: The basic eligibility requirements for PhD studentship programs as set out in the Higher Education Ordinance are as follows:

- A degree at master’s level,
- completed courses totaling at least 240 university credits of which a minimum of 60 at master’s level or,
- Substantially equivalent knowledge gained in some other way whether in Sweden or abroad.

To fulfil the special eligibility requirements for a PhD degree in Production Technology, a student must hold a degree at master’s level in a subject relevant to the doctoral degree subject. This degree may be in Production Technology or some related discipline. The eligibility requirements may be fulfilled by studies in Sweden or abroad.

For more information please read 3.1 and 3.2 in General syllabus of Degree of Doctor of Technology in Production Technology, Ref. No 2015/1343 B 25: https://www.hv.se/en/research/research-education/production-technology/

Selection: The basic factor for selection from among qualified applicants is the ability to profit from such a program. For more information please read 3.3 in General syllabus of Degree of Doctor of Technology in Production Technology, Ref. No 2015/1343 B 25.

To be successful in this project the applicant should be highly motivated, have an accurate way of working, and have good communicative and collaborative skills. The applicant should have a strong aptitude for analysis and problem solving of physical problems that relates to industry.

Qualifications of merit for this position:

- Master of Science (or equivalent level) in mechatronics, industrial measurements, laser technology or equivalent
- Experience in sensor systems for real-time measurements of physical properties, preferably temperature, geometry and vision
- Experience in non-destructive testing such as ultrasonic testing or x-ray
- Knowledge in design and implementation of sensors and control actuation in a robotic laser processing cell
- Experience in programming, e.g. C, Matlab, Labview is preferred
- Good understanding of material affecting issues during manufacturing
- Experience of research work and scientific writing
- Ability to communicate orally and in writing in English (documented)
- Ability to communicate in Swedish is regarded as a merit

Duration and terms of employment: Employment as a PhD student shall be on an open-ended basis but not for longer than to a specific point in time and never for a period extending more than one year after receiving the PhD degree. The initial appointment must not be for more than one year. The appointment may be renewed for no more than two years at a time. A person may be employed as a research student for a total of not more than eight years. The total period of employment, however, may not exceed the equivalent of four years of full-time study at the third level of higher education. (Higher Education Ordinance (SFS 1993:100) Chapter 5 section 7).

Applications are to be submitted electronically via the University West web-based recruitment tool, MyNetwork. Go to https://www.hv.se/en/meet-university-west/job-opportunities/

The application must include:

- CV/Personal qualifications
- Personal letter containing: - Interest in the research topic. - Previous experience regarding the proposed research topic. - Motive to pursue PhD studies.
- Master thesis of second level of higher education
- Degree certificate of first and second level of higher education
- Other documents which the applicant wishes to invoke

Approved written languages regarding papers, diplomas, grades and other relevant documents are the Scandinavian languages and English, or translations into those languages. Attach the original when submitting translated documents.

The application should reach University West no later than 2017-04-16

Documents that cannot be sent digitally, should be sent to:

Högskolan Väst
Personalavdelningen
461 86 Trollhättan
Sweden

Mark the application with ref.no: R 2017/33