PhD student positions in Weldability of Superalloys and Stainless Steels

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
Advanced high temperature materials like nickel-based superalloys are key materials in aerospace industry. Of particular importance is their weldability. This also holds for high-alloyed stainless steel used in superheaters, etc in power plants. The understanding of critical metallurgical factors and mechanisms behind the weldability of these alloys with respect to phenomena is hence of crucial importance. These issues are addressed within the framework of a longterm co-operation between Chalmers University of Technology (Department of Materials and Manufacturing Technology) and GKN Aerospace Sweden. The co-operation focuses on the materials-related topics, but also connects to activities at University West, addressing processing issues.

Major responsibilities
We are now expanding this research area with up to two new PhD students. The work will deal with the use and development of advanced testing methods for studying hot-cracking phenomena connected to welding of the above mentioned types of alloys. This will be done using facilities provided at Innovatum, Trollhättan. The work will be complemented by advanced materials characterization at Chalmers, using 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.). Materials modelling using tools like Thermo-Calc, Dictra and JMatPro may also be a part of the work.

As PhD student, working in this area, you will be part of the Surface and Microstructure Engineering Group in the named department. The work is interdisciplinary by nature, and the group is closely collaborating with other universities and industries, both nationally and internationally. You will be enrolled in the graduate school of Materials Science. The majority of the working time will be dedicated to research within your 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, 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: 2015-08-16


For questions, please contact:
Professor Lars Nyborg?, e-mail: lars.nyborg@chalmers.se?, phone: +46 31 772 1257
Dr Joel Andersson, GKN Aerospace Sweden AB, e-mail: joel.andersson@gknaerospace.com, phone: +46-520-292921


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



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!