We are looking for a PhD-candidate to strengthen our highly motivated and multidisciplinary research team, who will work on the monitoring and sensing of the fundamental physical phenomena occurring during laser-material interaction, in order to optimize laser-based material processing techniques for sustainable manufacturing.
The Background
Metal additive manufacturing at large scale, such as laser cladding, is a well-established technique to reduce the cost of repairing or regenerating the damaged industrial components in energy, transport, waste, construction and manufacturing industries to name few. In order to meet the increasing demand of greater accuracy and precision, while decreasing environmental footprint, development of highly sensitive optical methods for metrology and inspection is crucial for non-contact process characterization and unraveling the associated physical aspects. A combination of integrated metrology and real-time process monitoring, along with advanced data analysis methods could provide a step change in studying the laser-metal deposition techniques, detecting process non-conformance and anomalies, optimizing manufacturing processes and resolving commercialization challenges in production applications.
For examples of our work done in this line of research, please check:
- Bremer, S. J. L., et. al. (2023). Laser intensity profile as a means to steer microstructure of deposited tracks in Directed Energy Deposition. Materials and Design, 227, [111725].
- Ya, W. , et. al. (2015). Spectroscopic monitoring of metallic bonding in laser metal deposition. Journal of Materials Processing Technology, 220, 276-284.
- Pohl, R. , et. al. (2014). High-resolution imaging of ejection dynamics in laser-induced forward transfer. In Proceedings of SPIE - the international society for optical engineering; Vol. 8967. SPIE.
Your Challenge
Measurement techniques to measure critical quantities during laser-based Direct Energy Deposition (DED) e.g., temperature, clad geometry, pressure, stress and flow rates are often trivial at low temperatures and/or during post-processing steps, however, in-situ, real-time insights into the melt-pool are either not possible, or cannot be performed easily at high temperatures. You will as a PhD candidate:
- Develop specialized measurement systems based on spatial, optical and spectral characterization for laser cladding setup with co-axial and/or off-axis powder injection,
- Design, construct and realize optomechanical systems in the laboratory,
- Establish a more accurate, real-time (multi-) sensor-based monitoring approach to characterize melt pool spatio-temporally as well as spectro-thermally,
- Develop algorithms for sensor fusion using Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning concepts to optimize strategies and real-time feedback.
- Collaborate closely with researchers in other groups at the University of Twente.
State-of- the-art laser facilities are available at the Chair of Laser Processing. We foster an environment of collaborative innovation and intellectual curiosity while continually challenging ourselves to expand the boundaries of our creativity.
If you are someone with a background in experimental optics involving high power lasers, preferably in imaging and spectroscopy, driven by curiosity, creativity, and dedication, we invite you to apply for this opportunity.
Information and application
Additional information about this position can be obtained from dr.ir. H. Mustafa, department of Mechanics of Solids, Surfaces & Systems (MS3), Chair of Laser Processing, University of Twente, see information
Please upload your application, including:
- A full Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, references and, if applicable, a list of publications, as well as a summary (half page) of your last large deliverable (such as MSc thesis, final project report, etc.),
- References (contact information) of two scientific staff members (such as the supervisor of your MSc thesis/final project) who are willing to provide feedback on our request. Further references (e.g. industrial supervisor or other mentors) can be additionally provided.
- A Motivational letter (max. 1 A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, motivations to apply for this position and research ideas for the PhD project.
As an appendix to the motivation letter, add (max. 1 A4) with your answers to the following questions (even though, in your CV, you might have already addressed those questions):
- Do you have hands-on experience with experimental optical and/or laser setups? If so, what kind of setup(s)?
- Do you have hands-on experience with (real-time) experimental imaging and/or spectroscopy setups?
- Did you ever use material analysis and microscopy techniques? If so, which techniques?
- Have you published any work in peer- reviewed publications? If so, in which publications (journal, conference, other) and how many?
- Have you worked or studied in a country different to where you obtained your primary academic education? If so, where?
- Do you have experience in numerical modelling of physical processes? If so, what process(es) and what software tools?
- What is your IELTS/Cambridge English level?
A video (max. 2 minutes) describing your scientific interests and why you are applying for this position.
Submit your application no later than May 30th, 2024
The first round of interviews will take place in the week 23 (June 3-7).
A Game-Based assessment can be part of the selection procedure.
Starting date as soon as possible.
About the department
THE CHAIR OF LASER PROCESSING
At the Chair of Laser Processing we study the fundamental physical phenomena occurring during laser-material interaction, in order to optimize laser-material processing for laser-based manufacturing. Based on the knowledge gained, we develop means and methods for monitoring/sensing and control of laser-material processing. Our research results (projects and publications) provide key enabling technologies for numerous new applications and innovative laser-based manufacturing. We are a group consisting of curiosity driven senior and junior scientists, which are well embedded within the department of Mechanics of Solids, Surfaces & Systems (MS3). Additional information can be obtained from the website Laser Processing Department
About the organisation
The Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) engages in education and research of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering. We enable society and industry to innovate and create value using efficient, solid and sustainable technology. We are part of a ‘people-first' university of technology, taking our place as an internationally leading center for smart production, processes and devices in five domains: Health Technology, Maintenance, Smart Regions, Smart Industry and Sustainable Resources. Our faculty is home to about 2,900 Bachelor's and Master's students, 550 employees and 150 PhD candidates. Our educational and research programmes are closely connected with UT research institutes Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Center and Digital Society Institute.
