The Chair of Nonlinear Solid Mechanics within the Faculty of Engineering Technology has an opening for an EngD position focused on developing a numerical design tool to predict the manufacturability of specific bipolar plate geometries.
The Challenge
Hydrogen is becoming increasingly vital as a clean and renewable energy source in the transition toward sustainable energy systems. Electrolysers are crucial for hydrogen production, with bipolar plates serving as essential components that function as both separators and electrodes within electrolyser cells. Manufacturing these bipolar plates poses significant challenges due to their intricate geometries and the complex mechanical properties of materials like titanium.
While the Finite Element Method (FEM) is widely used to model manufacturing processes, current FE software libraries often lack the advanced material models needed to simulate titanium's complex behavior during forming accurately. This limitation leads to less precise predictions and necessitates costly and time-consuming prototype development. This project aims to develop and implement advanced material models within the FEM framework to predict the manufacturability of specific bipolar plate geometries precisely. The tool will enhance manufacturability and performance by addressing the complexities associated with titanium's properties, ultimately increasing hydrogen production yield and contributing to climate-neutral targets for 2050.
Your Role
* Participate in cutting-edge research and design under the guidance of leading experts in the field.
* Develop and implement advanced material models for thin metal forming simulations of titanium.
* Conduct mechanical characterization experiments to validate and refine the material models
* Develop a parameterised design tool for bipolar plate production.
* Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team, including members from the University of Twente and the industrial partner Bosch.
* Work regularly as part of the Data Driven Engineering team at Bosch Transmission Technology in Tilburg, Netherlands.
Information and application
Please submit your application before December-15th, 2024, using the "Apply now" button, and include the following:
* Curriculum vitae
* Letter of motivation
* Transcripts from your BSc and MSc courses
* IELTS or TOEFL score
* Contact information of 2 references
First (online) interviews will be held on: Thursday December–19th, 2024.
For more information, you can contact Dr. habil Celal Soyarslan via phone: +31 5 3489 7499 or email: c.soyarslan@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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