PhD Position on the Effect of B on Bainite, Martensite Formation

Lets trace Boron atoms in steel microstructures

Job description

Boron is an alloying element widely used to increase the hardenability of steels. However, it delays bainite formation, which may be a problem in the processing of many high performance steels. This PhD project aims understanding the effect of boron in the microstructure development of steels, and particularly on the kinetics and bainite formation. This requires to determine how boron interacts with the microstructure and evaluate if this interaction is due to segregation to defects such as grain boundaries or due to the formation of certain compounds. Such understanding will be achieved through dedicated experiments in which the the microstrucutre formation is investigated through high resolution techniques. Further, the project will clarify how boron and its compounds impact the mechanical properties of steel. Investigations will be performed in close collaboration with our industrial partner Tata Steel.

Requirements

We are searching for an enthusiastic candidate with the following qualitifcations:

• A MSc degree in physics, materials science or similar field.
• Knowledge on physics of metals, solid-solid phase transformations, diffusion phenomena, and computational modelling in material's science.
• A critical, curious and creative approach to research.
• Excellent analytical and experimental skills.
• Communication skills and open-minded, able to integrate in an international and collaborative environment.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Mechanical Engineering

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2872 per month in the first year to € 3670 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.