Research positions in Material Sciences at K. U. Leuven, Belgium

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From: "HR-Net News Distribution Manager" <dist@hri.org>

Originally From: Andreas Prodromou <Andreas.Prodromou@mtm.kuleuven.ac.be>

In the department MTM (Metallurgy and Materials Engineering) of K.U.Leuven (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven), Belgium, research on polymer matrix composites is carried out by some 15 researchers (of which 4 post-docs), 5-10 masters or engineering students and 2-3 technicians. Research topics range from natural fibre based composites over textile based composites to sandwich materials. In all projects, a combination of materials properties development and optimisation as well as processing oriented research is aimed for. Recently, the Leuven Composites Processing Centre was founded; in this network, the department MTM collaborates with the Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering and Chemistry departments. In total, more than 50 researchers are active in polymer composites at K.U.Leuven.

In the forthcoming months, several new research projects on polymer matrix composites will start at the Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering. We are hence looking for new collaborators, PhD-students as well as post-docs in the following projects:

1. BEKAERT

Project: Development of thermoplastic composites reinforced with steel fibres and wires. Optimisation of the textile structure and fibre-matrix interface. Development and evaluation of processing methods.

Partners in the project: a Belgian steel wire company (world's largest). Searching for: 1 PhD-student, 1 post-doc Start: Immediate! Duration: min. 3 years for PhD-student, 1.5 year for post-doc.

2. TECABS

Project: Development of a full-composite floor panel for a small mass production car, made from a carbon-fibre based complex textile preform. K.U.Leuven will be responsible for the material evaluation and optimisation, and for the development of computer models for property and processing optimisation.

Partners in the project: in this EU supported project, 4 major European car companies, several composite companies and 4 European universities participate (in collaboration with the department of Mechanical Engineering)

Searching for: 1 PhD-student Start: 01/04/2000 Duration: 3 years

3. Development of an integrated design tool for textile based composites

Project: K.U.Leuven has reached a strong position in the modelling of textile geometries and mechanical properties of textile based composites. In several more fundamentally oriented projects, existing composite micromechanical, textile mechanical and permeability models have to be developed. All these have then to be integrated into one IDT, and validated.

Partners in the project: in collaboration with the Department of Computer Sciences (prof. Roose), and with several textile and composites companies Searching for: at least 1 PhD-student and 1 post-doc Start: immediate Duration: till end 2001 (with possibility for extension for PhD-student)

4. Torhex / Thermhex

Project: K.U.Leuven owns several patents for the continuous production of honeycomb-like cores for sandwich materials. In this project, production methods (based on the patents) will be developed and optimised, and the produced sandwich cores will be evaluated for use in packaging and structural applications.

Partners in the project: major European companies in the paper, plastics and composites industry. In collaboration with the Department of Mechanical Engineering (prof. Vandepitte)

Searching for: 1 PhD-student and 1 post-doc (will also have a more project management task). Start: mid 2000 Duration: 2 years.

5. Amitherm

Project: Development of processing methods for thermoplastic composites, based on in-situ polymerisation.

Partners in the project: several European companies in the plastics and composites industry, and one other European university . In collaboration with the department of Chemical Engineering (prof. Mewis and Moldenaers)

Searching for: min. 1 PhD-student Start: mid 2000 Duration: 3 years.

General information:

For more information on the ongoing research projects in polymer matrix composites, please visit our website: http//www.mtm.kuleuven.ac.be

The average duration of a PhD-thesis at MTM-K.U.Leuven is about 4 years. PhD-students get a salary, or grant, equivalent to that of an entry level engineer in the industry.

Post-docs are expected to be responsible for part of the project management which includes contacts with the industry and other universities, guidance of students.

One of the post-docs will, for instance, be responsible for the coordination of the different projects related to thermoplastic composites

Applications:

Please send your application with complete CV to:

Prof. Ignaas Verpoest Dept. Metallurgy and Materials Engineering Katholieke Universiteit Leuven de Croylaan 2 B-3001 Heverlee Belgium

Tel: +32 (0)16 32 1306 Fax: +32 (0)16 32 1990 E-mail: Ignaas.Verpoest@mtm.kuleuven.ac.be

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