University of Twente
As part of the National research program Aviation in Transition, the Production Technology group at the University of Twente has a PhD position on the modelling of the press forming process of thermoplastic composites.
Thermoplastic composite materials are considered a prime candidate for the next generation of commercial aircraft. Compared to thermoset composites, these materials offer improved toughness, dustless assembly through welding, and improved recycling opportunities. Press forming is a manufacturing technology for small to medium-sized thermoplastic composite components in high volumes. Process simulation software allows virtual optimization of tool design and material handling in order to achieve first-time-right manufacturing. The predictive quality of these tools relies on accurate constitutive models to describe the material behavior during forming. With the ever increasing need to manufacture more complex components, a step-change is required in the accuracy of these models and the associated material characterization methods.
We are looking for a PhD candidate to strengthen our research team. Your research focuses on the development of novel constitutive models for molten unidirectionally reinforced thermoplastic composites, their implementation in finite element software, followed by experimental validation. Earlier developed characterization methods and an experimental dataset form an excellent starting point for the task at hand. Within the project, you will collaborate with other researchers and share your results with the industrial partners.
Your profile
You are a highly motivated researcher who is driven by curiosity and has:
Our offer
We offer a full-time 4-year Ph.D. position with a qualifier in the first year; excellent mentorship in a stimulating research environment with excellent facilities; and a personal development program within the Twente Graduate School. It also includes:
