PhD Position: Simulation of Corrosion Fatigue Life in AlSi10Mg via Microstructural Characterizations (MicroAM Project)

The Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Section for Manufacturing Engineering, is offering a fully funded 3-year PhD position focused on the simulation of corrosion fatigue life in AlSi10Mg alloys, leveraging advanced microstructural characterizations. This position is part of the Villum Investigator grant 'Microstructural engineering of additive manufactured metals - MicroAM,' funded by the VILLUM FONDEN. The overarching goal of the MicroAM project is to pioneer microstructural engineering in the additive manufacturing (AM) of metals, enabling in-situ and ex-situ optimization of metal microstructures and predictive modeling of their evolution and properties during service. The PhD project will integrate multi-physics and data-driven simulation tools with experimental observations to establish causal pathways for failure mechanisms in AM components, particularly focusing on fatigue and corrosion fatigue phenomena. The successful candidate will develop, calibrate, and validate computational models simulating the nucleation and propagation of stress corrosion cracking under low cycle fatigue conditions, and link these models to microstructural features resulting from the AM process. Collaboration is a key aspect, involving close work with international research groups specializing in corrosion simulation, as well as with other PhDs, postdocs, and senior scientists within the MicroAM project. The research will also include participation in 4D analysis (spatial and temporal) of AM microstructures and crack propagation, and a 3–6-month research stay at an international group focused on microstructural modeling of corrosion in AM parts. Candidates must have a two-year master's degree or equivalent, with proven skills in Python programming and Linux platforms. Preferred backgrounds include aluminum alloys, fatigue analysis, and numerical modeling, as well as experience with CAE tools like Abaqus or Ansys. The position offers opportunities for publishing research and presenting at international conferences. DTU provides a dynamic, international research environment with a commitment to academic excellence, collegial respect, and scientific freedom. The appointment is for 3 years, with salary and terms based on the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations' collective agreement. The starting date is February 1, 2026, or as mutually agreed. Applications must be submitted online by November 30, 2025, including all required documents in English. DTU encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background and conducts open-source background checks for positions involving critical technology. For further information, contact Associate Professor Sankhya Mohanty. Additional resources about DTU and moving to Denmark are available online.