[Open] PhD scholarship in the field of Dimensional Metrology, Computerized Tomography and Additive Manufacturing

PROJECT CONTEXT:

Project: Multi-scale data fusion Metrology for complex parts characterization (MultiMet)

The main objective of this project is to advance in the current state of technology in the analysis of sources of error that affect the computed tomography (CT) measurement of lattice structures obtained by Additive Manufacturing (AM) and how these errors affect the calculation of its mechanical properties. For this, specific algorithms will be developed that allow the extraction of the surfaces of the nodes and segments of the lattice structures. Additionally, these algorithms can be optimized to extract internal porosities that may affect the structure. In order to know the errors in the measurements, the intercomparison of measurements will be necessary, that is, to measure the same standard with other calibrated metrological systems. However, as already mentioned, there are no other measurement systems that allow measuring the interior of lattice structures without sectioning them. Therefore, another challenge of the project will be the design of specific reference parts that simulate the characteristic geometries of lattice structures, or of structures that allow them to be easily sectioned without damaging the interior segments, so that they can be measured by other instruments, like a microscope.

Likewise, a prediction protocol for the final measurement uncertainty will be developed. Additionally, a procedure will be designed to compare the surface extraction methods based on the variation of the measurement uncertainty that they offer. For this, based on existing standards and bibliography, procedures and methodology will be developed to be able to give a measurement uncertainty (number of tests, number of repetitions, dimensions to perform, contributors to uncertainty, etc.). Due to the novelty of CT in metrological applications, and therefore the absence of specific standards, it will be necessary to carry out a novel adaptation of the standards used in other technologies that allow the different algorithms to be compared

Hosting institution: University of Zaragoza (UNIZAR)

The Group for Manufacturing Engineering and Advanced Metrology at the University of Zaragoza performs world leading research in the fields of dimensional metrology with 3D large scale systems, development of precision engineering systems, manufacturing systems optimization, integration of digital technologies into manufacturing process according to Lean manufacturing principles, development and application of in-line quality vision technologies to manufacturing processes.

REQUIREMENTS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CONTRACT

The requirements and characteristics of the contract are detailed in the FPI programme announcement (Articles 6 to 8). Following, we summarize its main aspects.

The objective of this programme is the training of doctors by means of funding their predoctoral employment contract, allowing the researchers to undertake a doctoral thesis associated to a research project.

At the same time, the programme is also intended for funding a 1-year postdoc contract for the PhD students who obtain their PhD degree before starting the last year of contract considered in the programme.

Candidate requirements:

1. A person can be an applicant if they are enrolled or admitted in a PhD program for the academic year 2022/2023 at the moment they present their application. Similarly, a person can also be an applicant if, at the moment of applying, without being enrolled or admitted in a PhD program, they meet all the requirements to be so at the time the employment contract is formalised.

2. A person cannot be an applicant or enrol in the FPI programme if they are under any of these circumstances:

   1. Having started their predoctoral training with other PhD scholarship programmes within the “Plan Estatal de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación Tecnológica” or any of the previous “Planes Nacionales” of the Spanish Government.

   2. Being in possession of a doctoral degree by any Spanish or foreign University.

   3. Having been employed under a predoctoral contract for a period longer than 12 months before presenting the application.

Characteristics of the contract:

1. The scholarship will have a maximum duration of four years, starting on the date that the researcher initiates the contract.

2. The scholarship comprises the following concepts: the funding of the employment contract and an end of contract compensation, additional funding to cover the expenses of research stays in Research and Development centres, and the registration fees of the doctoral program.

3. The scholarship for the funding of the employment contract is 21.923 € the first year, 23.137 € the second year, and 28.575 € for the third and fourth ones. The researcher minimum gross annual salary will be 17,222 € the first year, 18.452 € the second year and 23.065 € for the third and fourth ones.

APPLICATION AND CONTACT:

Applications should be submitted according to the specifications of the FPI programme announcement  (Articles 12 and 13). It is recommended to contact the professors José Antonio Yagüe-Fabra (jyague@unizar.es) or José Antonio Albajez García (jalbajez@unizar.es) in advance.