Doctoral student in Solid Mechanics with focus on modeling of strain age cracking in precipitation hardened alloys - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Solid Mechanics
The field of solid mechanics relates to methods and principles aimed at describing deformations, stresses and instability phenomena in deformable bodies.

Solid mechanics is a core discipline in mechanical engineering and it is of fundamental importance also to related disciplines. The types of questions being dealt with carry high relevance for industrial applications.

The research in solid mechanics at LTH focuses on constitutive mechanics, numerical methods, microstructure mechanics, structural optimization, fracture mechanics, stability analysis and experimental methods.

Work duties
The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies, which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties will also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

The employee is part of a research project founded by the Swedish Research Council that aims to increase the understanding on the mechanisms for strain age cracking in precipitation hardened Ni-based alloys. The problem will be addressed through a modelling framework using the phase field crystal method, and synchrotron experiments at the nanometer length scale. The project will mainly focus on numerical modeling and simulations, and for this the doctoral student need to develop and implement its own numerical calculation tools.

Strain age cracking is a solid-state phenomenon that occurs in precipitation hardened Ni-based alloys, and manifests as intergranular cracking during post weld heat treatments or during reheating on multi-pass welds. It is one of the key sources of failure in additive manufacturing (e.g. 3D-printing), and in traditionally welded Ni-based components.

Admission requirements
A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programs if she or he:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Solid Mechanics if she or he has:

• at least 90 credits in the field, including at least 45 second-cycle credits and a second-cycle degree project of 30 credits in the field, or
• a MSc in civil engineering, engineering physics, engineering mathematics or mechanical engineering

Additional requirements

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.    
• Good knowledge in computational thermodynamics.
• Good knowledge in nucleation and growth theory, especially for metallic materials.
• Good knowledge in solid mechanics, materials engineering and physics.
• Good proficiency in computer programming.

Assesment criteria
Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily based on academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study. These may be demonstrated through documents appended to the application and at a possible interview.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems. The assessment could be made on the basis of the student’s degree project and a discussion of this at a possible interview. 
3. Written and oral communication skills.
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Other assement criteria

• Applicants should have proficiency and sincere interest in mathematical modeling and numerical methods.
• Experience of Linux-based computer systems and in programming, using C, Fortran, Matlab and/or Python.
• Experience of the phase-field method
• Experience in experimental methods for characterization of metallic materials.
• Teaching experience and supervision
• Good oral and written proficiency in Swedish.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, as well as to how the applicant, through her or his experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle program.

Terms of employment
Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, a copy of your Master’s thesis or equivalent and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, letters of recommendation etc.). In addition, a minimum of two references with full contact information must be provided.

You are also asked to answer the job specific questions.