AdresseThis research position is open within the ProPoLiS research group located at the KU Leuven Bruges within the faculty of Engineering Technology.
Professor Frederik Desplentere is head of this research group which has 15 members (11 Phd students) and is member of the composite materials group within the Materials Engineering department of KU Leuven.
Within the research group, the main focus is on material characterisation, numerical simulations and experimental validation for thermoplastic materials on one hand and on product performance on the other hand. Within the research group, a lot of state of the art equipment is available to perform the material tests which serves as input for the Digital twins. The output of the numerical simulations software tools can be compared on industrial scale processing equipment. On the different types of equipment, different types of thermoplastic materials are processed (virgin, recycled, biobased,...) while monitoring different driving parameters. Next to process modelling, also modelling of the product behavior is treated within the research group. To model this, one has to implement process induced material properties.
This position is opened, as a lot requests for the development of Digital twins in the previous mentioned domains has reached the research group. Together with the phd researchers and the people in the lab, this position has to provide answers to the different questions from the processing industry (both small and large companies).
Website unit
Responsibilities
This position is linked to short and long term collaborations with the industry. This requests the expertise as indicated below:
- acquiring industry relevant expertise in modelling of thermomechanical loading of materials and structures
- working in adequate way with the relevant software
- building relevant Digital twins for a specific challenge
- acquire the relevant material data in collaboration with other ProPolis members
- define the appropriate boundary conditions
- if relevant, compare numerical simulation results with experimental data (in ProPolis labs or with data obtained from the industry)
- good reporting skills (English and/or Dutch)
- team work makes the work done
- ...
Profile
You have a master's degree in engineering technology or engineering sciences(plastics processing, mechanics, materials science, chemistry) or sciences (Physics, Mathematics,...)
• Basic knowledge of finite element simulations (for example Autodesk Moldflow) are an added value, but not necessary, the colleagues of the ProPoLiS research group will help you out with pleasure
• You are able to work independently, pay attention to accuracy and experiment with new concepts in a creative way.
• You are a flexible team player
• You have communication skills to report results, both internally within KU Leuven and on international forums
Offer
We offer you a full time challenging job within an inspiring, dynamic and flexible environment. Currently, the position is for two years, with an evaluation after one year (contract: 1+1 year)
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Frederik Desplentere, tel.: +32 50 66 48 56, mail: frederik.desplentere@kuleuven.be or Mrs. Sofie Deceur, tel.: +32 50 66 48 60, mail: sofie.deceur@kuleuven.be.
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
