PhD (4 years) on experimental characterization of snap fit joints

Ghent University; Oost-Vlaanderen; On-site; EUR 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Ghent University invites applications for a PhD position in experimental mechanics of materials, focusing on snap fit joints. You will develop characterization techniques using Digital Image Correlation and high-speed imaging, and test long-term creep behavior under temperature influence.

Collaborating with industry and academia within a four-year project funded by Flanders Make, you will contribute to understanding engagement mechanics and joint reliability in complex parts.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering, Materials Science or a closely related field.
• Strong interest in experimental mechanics of materials and collaborative industry-academia projects.
• Experience with experimental methods and data analysis is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop experimental characterization techniques for snap fit joints (DIC, high-speed imaging).
• Extend tests from quasi-static to long-term creep loading with temperature influence.
• Collaborate with other PhD students and postdocs within the project.

Skills

Experimental mechanics

Team collaboration

Research experience

Education

Master's degree in Engineering/Materials Science

Tools

Digital Image Correlation (DIC)

High-speed imaging

Job description

[Net salary (after taxes) starting from 2600 EUR/month]

UGent-MMS is coordinating a 4-year research project on snap fit joints. Snap fit joints, also called snap-lock joints or clickable joints, are one of the most widely used connection types in all sorts of construction elements, automotive parts, medical devices and many more. Those joints are more and more important in the context of disassembly, recycling and repair.

This research project does not deal with the most simple snap fit joints, based on cantilever flexible beams. Rather it focuses on the complex snap fit joints that are used in window profiles, laminate flooring, injection moulded parts for automotive, etc. When those joints are engaged, they follow a complex loading path, with effects of friction, strain rate, geometric nonlinearity and manufacturing tolerances. After that, the snap fit joints have to keep the parts together for many years, despite temperature fluctuations, creep and environmental ageing.

The project is funded by Flanders Make, and is a collaboration between UGent, KULeuven and Flanders Make. The project is supported by 10 companies from the construction, automotive and consumer goods sector.

This PhD will focus on development of experimental characterization techniques for the engagement and long-term performance of snap fit joints. Instrumentation techniques such as Digital Image Correlation (DIC) and high-speed imaging will be used, and tests will be extended from quasi-static loading to long-term creep loading, combined with temperature influences. He/she will collaborate with the other PhD students and postdoc, involved in the project.

Only candidates with a Master degree should apply. The candidate should have a strong interest in experimental mechanics of materials, and should be enthusiastic to work in a collaborative project between industry and academia.

Tagged as: Engineering