PhD Student in Solid Mechanics

Luleå University of Technology experiences rapid growth with world-leading expertise within several research domains. We shape the future through innovative education and groundbreaking research results and drawing on our location in the Arctic region, we create global societal benefit. Our scientific and artistic research and education are carried out in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, public actors and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has an annual turnover of SEK 1.9 billion. Today, we have 1,815 staff and 19,155 students.



In the coming years, multi-billion investments will be made in large projects in Northern Sweden to create a fossil-free society both nationally and globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these cutting-edge research projects and in the societal transformation that they entail. We offer a broad range of courses and study programmes to match the skills in demand. We hope that you will help us to build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.

Subject description

Solid Mechanics comprises the development of analytical, experimental, and numerical methods in engineering mechanics. Important research areas include the modelling and simulation of production processes as well as the analysis of the function of products with a particular focus on the development of models for both solid and granular material behavior and their interaction.



Project description

There are currently large investments in hydrogen technology in region Norrbotten due to the new fossil free steel industry. Steel exposed to a hydrogen environment could drastically loose its strength, so called hydrogen embrittlement. In this project we will investigate how the strength at cyclic loads, the fatigue strength, is affected by a hydrogen environment. The aim is to predict how the strength is affected to determine material choice, manufacturing processes, design and inspection intervals for the hydrogen system planned in the region.

Duties

A large part of this PhD student position will be to develop and conduct fatigue experiment where the hydrogen environment is controlled with salt water and electricity. Advanced simulation methods which couples electrochemical and mechanical phenomena will be used to describe what happens in the experiments. Based on the experimental results and the modelling, we will calculate the probability of fracture, given the mechanical load and the hydrogen environment, in order to design components in the hydrogen system.



Included in a PhD student position is practice in scientific work like academic publishing in established international scientific journals and at international conferences. As PhD student, you will also take compulsory and optional courses in your research subject. Most of your working time will be devoted to your own research studies. In addition, you can have the opportunity to try the teacher role.



Qualifications

You must have a master’s degree, or equivalent, in Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, Engineering Physics or in a relevant topic with focus on mechanical behavior of materials. We are looking for highly motivated and enthusiastic candidates, capable of conducting state-of-the-art research and who can work independently as well as in teams. The candidate must have good oral and written communication skills and be fluent in English.



For the evaluation of candidates, special emphasis is put on the following:



- Knowledge and skills relevant for the project

- Quality of MSc thesis

- Personal skills relevant for research

For further information about a specific subject see General syllabus for the Board of the faculty of science and technology.

Most employees at the subject Solid Mechanics are currently men therefore we welcome female applicants.



Further information

Employment as a PhD student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other department duties may be added with max 20%. Placement: Luleå. Starting: Upon agreement but an early start is preferred.

For further information about the position, please contact: Associate professor Erik Olsson, +46 920-49 2143, erik.1.olsson@ltu.se



Union representatives:

SACO-S Kjell Johansson (+46)920-49 1529 kjell.johansson@ltu.se  

OFR-S Lars Frisk, (+46)920-49 1792 lars.frisk@ltu.se



In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

Application

We prefer that you apply for this position by clicking on the apply button below. The application should include a CV, personal letter and copies of verified diplomas from high school and universities. Mark your application with the reference number below. Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish.



Closing date for applications: 28th of October 2022

Reference number: 3288-2022