Postdoctoral Researcher
Multiscale, Thermomechanical Characterisation of Advanced,
High Temperature Materials for Power Generation
NUIG Ref. No. 85-13
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for an 18 month fixed term contract to be based in
Mechanical engineering at the College of Engineering & Informatics at NUI Galway.
This is an SFI-funded joint project between Mechanical Engineering at NUI Galway and the University of Limerick,
with collaboration from ESB Energy International and the University of Nottingham in the UK. The project focuses on
the development of advanced materials technology for high efficiency, low CO2 emission fossil-fuel power-plant. This
programme will develop a novel methodology to predict degradation under conditions relevant to next generation
power generation plant. The key novelty will be the development of a combined experimental and computational multiscale methodology for creep-fatigue (thermo-mechanical fatigue) interaction. Macroscopic models at the power-plant
component level will furnish appropriate boundary conditions to a physically-based combined continuum-crystal
(visco-) plasticity material model to determine the polycrystalline microscopic stress-strain distributions. A key
challenge is the identification and incorporation of dominant creep and fatigue micro-structural degradation
mechanisms. The NUI Galway team consists of a post-doctoral researcher (present position) and a PhD student. A
complementary team exists at the University of Limerick.
The key tasks involved in the position are (i) the development of finite element methods for modelling thermomechanical deformation and damage, (ii) coordination of a high temperature fatigue test programme and (iii)
development of multi-scale models for failure assessment of relevant industrial case studies in collaboration with ESB
Energy International.
The successful candidate will:
(i) hold a PhD in a solid mechanics, materials modelling or a closely related discipline
(ii) have a strong publication record
(iii) have excellent communication skills
(iv) be able to assist in the supervision of PhD students
(v) have a good knowledge of finite element modelling, ideally in Abaqus.
The duration of the post will be 18 months and the successful applicant will be invited to take up the NUI Galway post
as soon as possible.
Further information on research and working at NUI Galway is available on Research at NUI Galway
For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie
Salary scale: €37,750 per annum (public sector pay policy pertaining to new entrants will apply)
Information about Mechanical Engineering at NUI Galway can be found at (http://www.nuigalway.ie/mechbio).
Informal enquiries about this post can be made to Professor Sean Leen: sean.leen@nuigalway.ie (Tel: +353-91495955).
To Apply: Applications (Covering letter, CV and contact details of three referees) should be sent to Professor Sean
Leen, Mechanical Engineering, NUI Galway or to sean.leen@nuigalway.ie. Please ensure to put the reference
number NUIG 85-13 in the subject line of e-mail application.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5:00 p.m. on Friday November 15th, 2013
National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer.