PhD candidate: Moisture effects in structural bonded joints between composites

Moisture effects in structural bonded joints between composites

Aircraft manufacturers are increasingly making use of bonded joints in their carbon fibre composite structures. In addition, composite structures need to be repaired, which is usually accomplished by bonding a patch to the damaged component. Reliability of bonded joints should be guaranteed not only to mechanical loads but to environmental factors such as moisture. In repair operations, in particular, moisture present in the structure before bonding the patch may impair the resulting structural performance. A leading European manufacturer is supporting this research on the pre-bond moisture effects on the performance of joints. The PhD candidate will participate in testing of joints for fracture toughness and strength, performing fractographic analysis, microstructural investigation, develop models, etc.

Requirements:
– EU citizen
– Academic Background: a degree or a master on Materials Science, Aeronautics, Mechanics, Civil, Industrial or a related subject.
– Recent Master Degree
– If the candidate does not have a master, they will have to follow the Master in Mechanics of Materials and Structures of the University of Girona during the firs year.

Eligibility criteria:
– Grades (degree and master)
– Specific experience on bonded joints, fracture mechanics, SEM, testing

Duration: 3 years. Starting date: October 2014