PhD position Development of interatomic potentials for Green Steels
For the National Growth Fund (NGF) project “Groeien met Groen Staal” (GGS), a PhD position for the period of 4 years is available in the context of modelling green steel mechanics at the atomic scale. In this project, the University of Groningen will develop an array of state-of-the-art machine learning potentials for multi-component alloy systems that are relevant for the new green steels compositions, including impurities and tramp elements. These models should enable density-functional-theory (DFT) accurate large scale atomistic simulations of defects including dislocations, grain boundaries and precipitates, as well as phase diagrams exploration.
A key challenge faced by steel industry is the development of digital twins able to contribute to an excellent control of the steel processing and to act as virtual tool for the selection of new steel compositions and of optimum processing conditions. Advances in digital twins also lead to fewer experiments and less usage of raw materials, to aid design of novel more energy-efficient processing routes. The development of these digital twins requires reliable and predictive models for microstructure formation during steel processing. These models should be based on accurate predictions of phase stability and defect kinetics. This research project focuses on developing the atomistic models that can provide such predictions.
The successful candidate will be supervised by prof. dr. Francesco Maresca, chair of the Mechanics of Materials unit of the Engineering and Technology institute Groningen (ENTEG).
Organization
Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen enjoys an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative institution of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Flexible study programs and academic career opportunities in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 36,000 students and researchers alike to develop their own individual talents. As one of the best research universities in Europe, the University of Groningen has joined forces with other top universities and networks worldwide to become a truly global center of knowledge.
