The Metallic and Ceramic Materials Unit investigates the relationship between microstructure and properties, as well as the optimisation of industrial processes. Our R&D activities focus on the development of high-performance materials solutions, to obtain lightweight/resistant materials and functional surfaces able to withstand severe mechanical and environmental requirements.The PhD thesis will be focused on the development of new high-performance aluminium alloys with a high proportion of recycled material and their subsequent evaluation with two of the processing technologies most used to produce structural parts for the automotive industry: High Pressure Die Casting and Stamping.- A sheet metal hot forming pilot line, equipped with 1) 150-ton hydraulic press; 2) continuous roller hearth furnace; 3) water-cooled omega-shaped tool and 4) a water chiller. This pilot plant is complemented with additional equipment, including cooled and heated flat dies for sample production, several heat treatment batch furnaces, equipment for measurement of temperature, including thermal camera and pirometers.The PhD will be integrated into a highly qualified multidisciplinary research group with 4 doctors and several engineers. He will have assistance from highly experienced and well-trained technicians to conduct all his experimental work.Functions and ResponsibilitiesThe definition of new alloys, by proposing additions of elements to improve the robustness of the alloys against the high level of impurities expected with the use of mixed scrap.The development of these alloys by producing small batches at laboratory scale and subsequently characterizing their microstructure and mechanical properties.The assessment, selection, and further development of the HPDC alloys by using them to produce testing demonstrators at Eurecat's HPDC pilot plant.The assessment, selection, and further development of the stamping alloys by using them to produce testing demonstrators at Eurecat's stamping pilot plant through hot and cold forming.Conducting the research, writing drafts of scientific papers, and delivering a PhD thesis.RequirementsStudies and Knowledge:Holding a bachelor's degree and a master in Materials Engineering or Chemical Engineering.Soft Skills:The person who will join the team should be a team player and can build collaborative relationships.He/she should also be able to work in an autonomous way and communicate/document the results in a comprehensible and professional way.He/she should be self-motivated and passionate about the project and should have a strong sense of curiosity and experimentation.A certain degree of mobility is expected due to PhD requirements (Conferences and Institutional visits).Languages:High oral and written communication skills in English.
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