PhD student position in role of materials behaviour in cryogenic machining

Information about the research/the project/the division
Metal cutting is a key research area in the Department of Materials and Manufacturing Technology. The research is especially organized within the framework of the Metal Cutting Research and Development Centre (MCR). An important basis for the research is the co-operation between researchers in the fields of materials technology and manufacturing technology. Materials characterization and dedicated manufacturing experiments are essential tools in the research. In this area, the Surface and Microstructure Engineering Group is involved with its knowledge in the areas of advanced materials characterization and science of surface and materials engineering. The group has access to a strong characterization facility including techniques like analytical electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) and surface analysis techniques (AES and XPS), in combination with all necessary complementary techniques (XRD, thermal analysis, mechanical testing, etc.). We are performing both basic and applied research, and materials investigated include structural as well as functional materials.

The work we are performing is interdisciplinary by nature, and the group is closely collaborating with other universities and industries, both nationally and internationally.

Major responsibilities
Metal cutting (or machining) constitutes a major process for realizing advanced metallic components. Key knowledge regarding the interaction between the cutting tool material and the work-piece material is of fundamental importance. Today, a cutting fluid (emulsion or neat oil) is usually used to monitor cooling and lubrication in the cutting process. In recent years, novel approaches involving cryogenic machining have been developed on the international scene. These processes instead rely on the use of liquid carbon dioxide or liquid nitrogen as cutting fluid. Little is known about the actual conditions that prevail in the cutting process at cryogenic conditions and so especially what kind of wear mechanisms that are active on the tool depending on properties of work-piece material and conditions. This work should therefore focus on improved understanding of the wear mechanisms in relation to tool material characteristics and how the properties of advanced work-piece materials would affect the mechanisms. The work will include the application of advanced materials characterization tools as mentioned above and it will be done in close co-operation with AB Sandvik Coromant, where a new modern laboratory for cryogenic machining research is available.

A PhD student at Chalmers is supposed to work with different material characterization techniques to reveal and explain the processing-structure-property relationships and in this particular case relate to the behavior of the materials involved in cutting contact. At Chalmers, you will work in the Surface and Microstructure Engineering Group and you will be enrolled in the graduate school of Materials Science. Alternatively, you may be enrolled in the graduate school of Manufacturing Technology. The selection of graduate school will depend on your profile and interest. The majority of the working time will be dedicated to research within the project and to courses required for obtaining the PhD. The remaining time (10-15%) will be devoted to mainly teaching activities. The candidate is expected to obtain a PhD degree in about 4.5 years.

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

Qualifications
We are looking for a highly motivated and independent candidate with MSc degree awarded by an internationally recognized university in materials science, manufacturing technology, metallurgy, mechanical engineering, physics, chemistry or relevant subjects. Experience and good knowledge in characterization techniques are considered as advantages. Interest and curiosity in the subject as well as good analytical skills are required. Good communicative and collaborative skills are required; the applicant is also expected to be proficient in both verbal and written English. Knowledge in written and spoken Swedish is considered an advantage. Chalmers offers Swedish courses. 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.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.



Application deadline: 2015-05-07

For questions, please contact:

Professor Lars Nyborg?
E-mail: lars.nyborg@chalmers.se?
Phone: +46 31 772 1257

Adjunct professor Ibrahim Sadik (AB Sandvik Coromant)
E-mail: ibrahim.sadik@sandvik.com
Phone: +46 08 726 6300

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***