Post Doctoral Researcher in Smart Machining (Testing and Simulation)

The Confirm Centre for Smart Manufacturing is a new research centre based at the University of Limerick. The Centre brings together 42 industry partners and 16 international manufacturing centres of excellence to focus on the development of smart manufacturing for applications across Ireland’s leading industrial sectors.  

This project addresses the development of digital twins for machining processes. Smart manufacturing relies on accurate representation of manufacturing processes in real time in order to optimise the process and to provide quality control during manufacture and application. For the machining process, digital twins of the workpiece and tool are needed and relevant information includes surface geometry of the manufactured component and tool, thermo-mechanical history experienced during machining, material microstructure and residual stress/strain. The interaction between the workpiece and tool will be examined using non-linear finite-element modelling with microstructure evolution simulated using phase field models or similar approaches. Models will be calibrated using real time data from instrumented machining tests, representing actual manufacturing conditions. A key aspect of the project will be to build a physical testbed to demonstrate the digital twin concept, and the successful applicant will work in a team of other researchers to achieve this.

The successful candidate will work with a world-class team of academics, researchers and industry partners in a highly innovative and motivated environment. Candidates should hold a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline and a PhD in the area related to computational solid mechanics. Candidates should have an interest in mechanics of materials and experimental techniques including, but not limited to, machine building.

Further information is available on http://www.ul.ie/hrvacancies/ search for Recruitment Reference 025988. All applications should be made through the University of Limerick website website. Informal enquiries (but not applications or CVs) can be sent to noel.odowd@ul.ie or conor.mccarthy@ul.ie.