PhD on Tomographic Volumetric Additive Manufacturing: a unified and validated multiphysics process model Eindhoven University of Technology in Netherlands

This PhD position at Eindhoven University of Technology offers an exciting opportunity to advance the field of additive manufacturing through the development of a unified and validated multiphysics process model for Tomographic Volumetric Additive Manufacturing (TVAM). TVAM is a cutting-edge technology capable of fabricating complex 3D objects in a single step without support structures, promising significant improvements in design freedom, efficiency, and material waste reduction. However, its industrial adoption is currently limited by the lack of predictive process and material models.

As a PhD candidate, you will join the M2i-funded research project "Multiphysics Modelling of Tomographic Volumetric Additive Manufacturing Processes for Predictive Product Properties (MTV)". Your research will focus on developing an experimentally validated multi-domain computational model that describes the TVAM process and predicts product properties. You will be embedded in the Mechanics of Materials section within the Department of Mechanical Engineering, collaborating closely with a second PhD candidate working on experimental setup and material models in the Processing & Performance section. The project is conducted in partnership with the industrial collaborator Motion Imager and international academic partners.

Your main responsibilities include:

• Developing a robust, accurate, and efficient multi-domain framework by coupling optical, thermal, and mechanical domains to describe the manufacturing process and predict product properties.
• Incorporating physics-based constitutive material models for liquid-to-solid transitions and viscoelastic behavior under light exposure, developed by the second PhD candidate.
• Experimental validation of the developed solver, applying it to simple and complex geometries.
• Developing uncertainty quantification and reduced order modelling approaches to optimize manufacturing by evaluating variations in material properties and processing settings.
• Contributing to integrated demonstrations of predictive TVAM processes with modelling and industrial partners.
• Publishing results in leading scientific journals and presenting at international conferences.
• Supervising MSc and BSc students and contributing to teaching activities.

Through your work, you will directly contribute to reducing material waste, enabling "first-time-right" manufacturing, and advancing digital twins for next-generation additive manufacturing. The position offers full-time employment for four years, with salary and benefits in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. Additional benefits include a year-end bonus, vacation pay, pension scheme, paid parental leave, commuting and home working allowances, and support for international candidates.

Applicants must have a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Physics, Computational Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field. Strong interest in scientific software development, solid mechanics, polymer physics, and additive manufacturing is required. Affinity with computational methods such as the finite element method is advantageous. Candidates should be motivated to develop teaching skills, work in interdisciplinary teams, and collaborate with industrial partners. Fluent English (C1 level) is required.

To apply, submit a complete application online, including a cover letter, CV with publications, and contact information for three references. The vacancy remains open until filled, with priority given to complete applications. For further information, contact Dr. Olaf van der Sluis at [email protected] or [email protected].