2 PhD Positions: Modelling, Non-destructive Testing and Li-based Remediation, Netherlands

September 4, 2010

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2 PhD Positions: Modelling, Non-destructive Testing and Li-based Remediation, Department of Applied Physics, Netherlands.

The Department of Applied Physics at Eindhoven University of Technology has 15 professorial chairs with about 65 academic and 60 technical specialists, as well as 110 graduate and 375 undergraduate students. The leading research themes cover functional materials, transport physics, and plasma physics and radiation technology. The department has extensive national and international partnerships, including industrial partners. It participates in several national (top) research schools, and in two national top technology institutes: Dutch Polymer Institute (DPI) and Materials Innovation Institute (M2i). Eindhoven University of Technology is one of the three participants in the Dutch 3TU Federation of Universities of Technology.

Degradation of concrete structures due to ASR (Alkali-Silica Reaction) is a complex mechanism based on chemical reactions between alkalis and reactive silica and transport of reaction products and water. The underlying mechanisms are poorly understood and presently there is no model for the development of damage. Lithium ions are known to positively affect the degradation process but the mechanism is not understood. Electrochemically driving Li into concrete may provide a method for remediation of existing ASR affected structures.

This combined project aims to largely improve service life assessment and preservation of concrete structures with regard to ASR by elucidating the degradation process and the influence of Li at the microscopic level up to providing a potential remediation method at the macro level that stops further decay. Hence 2 PhDs are sought for studying:
- micro level on the fundamentals of ASR, the influence of Li
- meso level non-destructive testing of transport of water, Na and Li using NMR

Requirements:

We welcome candidates who hold a Master’s degree in (technical, applied) physics, chemistry, materials science, civil engineering (materials) or a related field, have affinity with materials science, transport in porous media and/or durability of concrete and have hands-on experience with experimental work.

Starting date:

As soon as possible.

Appointment:

This position offers full-time employment for 4 years, with an initial evaluation period. The monthly (gross) salary will be approx. 2000 Euro in the first year and increase to approx. 2600 Euro in the fourth year, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement of the Dutch Universities. The University offers an attractive package of fringe benefits such as excellent technical infrastructure, child care, savings schemes and excellent sports facilities.

Application:

Please submit contact information, an motivation letter, contact information of two or more references (including a research supervisor), and a copy of the M.Sc-thesis and other relevant publications, if available by using the apply button given in the website link.

Application deadline: 31-10-2010

Further scholarship details:

Scholarship Tags: Applied, Li-based, Modelling, Netherlands, Non-destructive, Physics, Remediation, Testing