PhD-position inThermodynamics and diffusion of the adhesive contact between modern light weight alloys and different cutting tool solutions.

Division of Materials Theory

Uppsala University is an international research university focused on the development of science and education. Our most important assets are all the individuals who with their curiosity and their dedication make Uppsala University one of the 100 best universities in the world and one of Sweden’s most exciting work places. Uppsala University has 40,000 students, 6,000 employees and a turnover of SEK 5,500 million.

Admission during the spring 2015.

Decreasing oil assets and rising costs of raw materials puts high demands on the aerospace and automotive industry, resulting in the replacement of traditional materials with modern light weight alloys, such as Al- and Ti and Metal Matrix Composites (MMC’s), most of which are expensive and difficult to machine. In many of these alloys, chemical and diffusion wear are important wear mechanisms, causing large material removal from the cutting tool, and a reduction of tool life. The machining of these difficult to work materials requires development of a basic understanding of the cutting tool degradation mechanisms in the specific applications. In addition, increasing health and environmental demands may enforce changes in elemental composition of the tools and thereby vastly influence the wear mechanisms also when machining traditional alloys such as stainless steel and cast iron. An improved understanding of the underlying physics of the obtained wear is vital, and can be achieved by combining state of the art theoretical and experimental approaches, such as those proposed in this project. Additionally, the correct use of theoretical methods may provide a faster, cheaper and more directed development of future cutting tool technology.

This PhD project will focus on developing a theoretical frame work to predict chemical interaction, by a joint theoretical and experimental approach, which can be used for material design as well as for predicting cutting tool performance. The main focus will be on first principle calculations, Density Functional Theory, but several different experimental and computational techniques will be applied in the project. The Division of Materials theory is a world-class research environment in ab-initio computational research on materials properties which will provide excellent opportunities for research tasks. The present position is a collaborative effort between Physics and astronomy/Materials Theory, Uppsala Unviversity, SANDVIK Coromant and Ångström Materials Acadmey (ÅMA). So, the Ph.D. candidate will work in close collaboration with SANDVIK and other possible ÅMAsupported students. We are seeking a candidate with a Master degree in physics or chemistry. Knowledge in computational methods will be advantageous. A strong motivation and ability to work independently is desirable, the person should also be well acquainted with computer simulation based experimental work, especially with the use of Unix environment, etc. The candidate should be interested in performing both theoretical and experimental work. We require good verbal and written skills in English.

Departmental duties, including teaching, will require up to 20% of the time. Information about graduate studies is available on the department's website, http://www.physics.uu.se/. Local guidelines for salary placement are used.

Uppsala University is striving to achieve a more even gender balance and women are especially encouraged to apply.

Applications should include a brief description of research interests and relevant experience, a CV, copies of diplomas and certificates, thesis (or a draft thereof if available) and other documents that the applicant wishes to be considered. We prefer that you provide details of referees or attach letters of recommendation.

For more information please contact Prof Rajeev Ahuja, Uppsala University, (e-mail: [email protected], phone +46 (0)18 4713626) or Henrik Strandlund, Sandvik Coromant, (e-mail: [email protected], phone +46 (0)8 7266630)

You are welcome to submit your application no later than 30th of April 2015. Use the link below to access the application form.

Doktorandtjänst i termodynamik och diffusion i kontaktytan mellan moderna lättviktsmaterial och olika verktygslösningar för skärande bearbetning