PhD position electrical behaviour of highly loaded EHL contacts
Are you driven and enthusiastic about developing a fundamental understanding of interaction of multiphysical phenomena in lubricated systems? Do you like to collaborate with researchers across fields to develop ground-breaking understanding and novel solutions for energy and life efficiency? Then this might be the opportunity you have been looking for!
At the Surface Technology and Tribology (STT) chair in the faculty of Engineering Technology (ET), we are currently seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to research on the topic of fundamental understanding of electrical fluid behaviour in Elastohydrodynamic lubricated contacts.
The challenge
Elastohydrodynamically lubricated contacts (EHL) exists in many machine elements. The life of many machines is limited by the life of these EHL contacts. With regards to energy efficiency about 23 % of global energy is lost due to friction. By improving contacts and reducing degradation a societal impact towards zero emission can be achieved.
Whilst film thickness and traction have been studied, the electrical behaviour of the lubricant in the contact as well as possible uses of this behaviour remain an open question. By building a fundamental understanding of the electrical behaviour, novel ways to increase service life, avoid electrical damage, use the contact as an in-situ sensor, and manipulation of the friction can become accessible. We plan to develop a physical understanding of the electrical properties of contact, fluid, and interface to implement this knowledge into application, design, and thus improvement of the lubricated contacts.
The main focus of this work will extending physical understanding of the contact and fluid behaviour.
Our aim is:
To design and perform experiments to investigate the interaction of film, rheology, and interface. Ultimately the goal is to derive the laws governing this behaviour.
Job description
The PhD candidate will plan and implement the research towards the project objectives by:
- participating in the design and development of electrical EHL experiments.
- performing in-(/ex-)situ spectroscopic studies to quantify variations in behaviour inside the contact and under high pressure conditions.
- developing experimentally validated, models of the contact and fluid.
- Develop a physical understanding of the interaction of electrical and rheological properties of the lubricant.
- Working with partners and researchers from other departments and research projects to include knowledge into applicable models.
You will actively participate during the progress meetings and discussions of our research chair and project partners. We encourage our researchers to present and publish their results at international conferences and in reputed journals.
Information and application
If interested, please submit your application before 15th of July, 2024 using the “Apply now” button. Applications should include the following documents:
- A motivation letter describing why you apply for this position, with a description of your research interests (no more than 1 A4).
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
- Contact information of 2 references
- Academic transcripts of courses from your Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
- IELTS (above 6.5) or TOEFL-iBT (above 90) test results, if your master’s program was not in English.
Short-listed candidates will be invited for an (online) interview and a presentation which will probably take place on 22nd July. In close discussion with the candidates some interviews may also be scheduled in mid-August.
If you have questions about the vacancy and for more information, contact Dr. N.F. Bader (n.f.bader@utwente.nl) or Prof.dr.ir. M.B. de Rooij (m.b.derooij@utwente.nl).
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.
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