PhD: Synchrotron Diffraction Studies on Stability of Individual Grains in Steel TU Delft

The Department of Radiation, Radionuclides and Reactors (www.rrr.tudelft.nl) is located in the Reactor Institute Delft (RID). The department’s common focus is nuclear radiation and reactions. Although its areas of interest are varied, from materials, sensors and instrumentation, to energy, sustainable production and health, all the department’s research is related to radiation in some way. In experimental research, extensive use is made of the research facilities of the Reactor Institute Delft as well as of large, international research facilities.

The FAME section (www.rrr.tudelft.nl/fame) performs research on functional and structural materials, aimed at practical applications. The focus is on the study of the relations between structure, dynamics and function at the atomic and nanoscale. For this we use neutrons, positrons, X-rays, NMR, muons, Mossbauer spectroscopy and first principles modelling, at both local (RID) and international facilities.

JOB DESCRIPTION

TRansformation-Induced Plasticity (TRIP) steels are a class of advanced multiphase steels that show a promising combination of strength and formability for automotive applications. This outstanding combination of mechanical properties originates from the martensitic transformation of a metastable (austenite) phase induced by applied stress and/or cooling. The aim of the project is to correlate for the first time the stability of the metastable phase to all the relevant local microstructural properties for individual transforming grains.

In this project we will perform state-of-the-art micro-beam diffraction measurements with high energy X-rays produced at a synchrotron source, to monitor simultaneously the stability of a large number of individual metastable grains within the complex multiphase TRIP microstructure during deformation. The experiments will be performed at the 3DXRD microscope of the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in France with a dedicated micro-tensile tester. The measurements will be analysed in detail to obtain quantitative relationships between the mechanical stability of the metastable grains and the local microstructural parameters. The obtained results will be directly implemented in modern, multiscale micromechanical models for TRIP steel behaviour. The project is funded by the Dutch Materials Innovation Institute (www.m2i.nl)

REQUIREMENTS

We seek candidates with a Master degree in physics, chemistry or materials science. Experience in the field of crystallography and good computational skills are desirable. Good English writing and speaking skills are required. The position will be for a fixed term of four years.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The successful candidate will be employed full-time by TU Delft for a fixed period of 4 years within which he or she is expected to write a dissertation leading to a doctoral degree (PhD thesis). The starting salary for a PhD is €2042 gross per month increasing to a maximum of € 2612 gross per month in the fourth year. TU Delft offers an attractive benefits package, including a flexible work week, free high-speed Internet access from home, and the option of assembling a customized compensation and benefits package (the 'IKA'). Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. Delft University of Technology strives to increase the number of women in higher academic positions; women are therefore especially encouraged to apply.

APPLICATION

To apply, please send a detailed CV along with a letter of application by 1 April, 2009 to TU Delft, Attn: Mrs. N.D. Banga, Mekelweg 15, 2628 JB Delft, The Netherlands; or e-mail your application to: n.d.banga@tudelft.nl.