PhD Candidate in Fatigue Assessment and Enhancement of Aluminium Welded Structures Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Norway

NTNU (Norwegian University of Science and Technology) is offering a 3-year PhD position in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering in Trondheim, Norway. The project is part of SFI FAST (Future Aluminium Structures), a national Centre for Research-based Innovation led by NTNU in collaboration with SINTEF and industrial partners across the aluminium value chain.

The PhD research focuses on fatigue assessment and life enhancement of welded aluminium structures. The study targets fatigue-critical weld regions where microstructure, residual stress, defects, and weld geometry influence crack initiation and crack growth. The candidate will investigate how local material conditions and substrate processing routes affect fatigue performance and the transferability of fatigue assessment methods across structural configurations.

The research includes experimental fatigue testing, XCT-based defect characterization, local material characterization, and in-situ mechanical testing to study damage evolution. It also explores treatment strategies such as local post-weld heat treatments, mechanical treatments, and in-situ thermo-mechanical modification during welding, with the aim of improving fatigue resistance in welded aluminium structures.

Methodologically, the project combines experimental results with local, defect-based, and fracture-mechanics-based fatigue prediction approaches. The work will also address thickness-dependent behaviour and the implications of local weld properties for existing fatigue design approaches and potential future standards.

The successful candidate will work closely with NTNU, SINTEF, and industrial partners, contribute to SFI FAST activities, report progress to the centre, publish in peer-reviewed journals and conferences, and may mentor MSc students. The position is supervised by Associate Professor Nima Razavi.

Eligibility is geared toward candidates with a relevant Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Solid Mechanics, or an equivalent field. A strong background in experimental mechanics, solid mechanics, and mechanics of materials is required, along with strong English communication skills. Preferred experience includes fatigue and fracture mechanics, microstructural analysis, material testing, Scandinavian language skills, and finite element analysis using tools such as ABAQUS or ANSYS.

The position is funded through SFI FAST and carries a gross annual salary normally of NOK 580,000, plus standard Norwegian public-sector employee benefits. The application deadline is 26 October 2026, and applications must be submitted electronically through Jobbnorge with all attachments in English.