Job environment

the study of new materials and processes, mainly in the fields of metals and composites but also in those of ceramics, polymers and multi-materials,

tools and molds for forming, based on multidisciplinary approaches (materials, mechanics, thermal, environment, instrumentation),

the development of new metrological techniques based on non- or low-intrusive optical sensors, for experimental photo-thermo-mechanics and process and system monitoring.

Local rail transport is an effective way to relieve congestion in city centers, but it is not widely used because of the prohibitive costs of maintaining traditional tracks. To revitalize this mode of green transportation, a new track design that breaks away from the traditional pattern of metal rails supported by ballast is possible. This is the aim of the INFRALight collaborative project funded by the PIA4 through an ADEME AMI. The objective of this project is to develop a light rail infrastructure on piles made of composite material rails for the circulation of very light autonomous shuttles.

For the manufacture of the rails, the pultrusion process of composites with a reactive thermoplastic matrix has been selected. A part of the INFRALight project therefore aims to develop this process of reactive processing in the case of these thick structures of long length. These particular thermoplastic matrices are obtained by in situ polymerization of a reactive mixture of monomers and polymerization agents. This polymerization reaction can be carried out in situ after impregnation of the fibrous reinforcements in order to obtain a composite structure, which facilitates the impregnation operation without increasing the processing time compared to conventional thermoplastic matrices.

The application of composites for the manufacture of rail nevertheless raises new issues compared to steel rails. In particular, the thermal expansion of the rails is an critical parameter that needs to be controlled as it can lead to distortions and geometrical defects of the tracks.

The main mission that will be assigned to the recruited candidate will therefore be to study the thermal expansion of pultruded composite structures. In particular, the candidate will be in charge of :

Furthermore, the pultrusion fabrication of large cross-sections with reactive matrices represents a particular challenge due to the exotherm of the reaction. Indeed, the thermal regime corresponds to a stabilization of thermal gradients in the section of the pultruded parts. These gradients influence the reaction kinetics and consequently the quality of the pultruded parts. A perfect understanding of the coupling between polymerization kinetics and thermal diffusion is necessary in order to ensure a high level of reaction throughout the structure while avoiding hot spots that can cause monomer boiling. Two PhD students and interns will work on these aspects of the project. Depending on his expertise in this field, the candidate may also be asked to participate in the supervision of these PhD students and trainees.

Visits to the industrial partners are required, in particular to the production sites of the pultruder partners. Participation in national and international conferences is also planned during the project.

12 months, renewable for a total duration of 24 months.

By the expected start date, the candidate should have graduated with a PhD within the last three years, in materials science, heat transfer or mechanical engineering.

He/she must be familiar with composite materials and their processes and have an interest in experimental work as well as a basic knowledge of finite element simulation (Comsol Multiphysics, Abaqus).

The candidate must be able to demonstrate autonomy and rigor to achieve the ambitious objectives of this project. The ability to communicate is also an important skill expected from the candidate because of the industrial context of the project.

As the position is open in a restricted area (ZRR) of the ICA, the recruitment is subject to the opinion of the senior defense and security official of the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

For any additional information, refer to:

Research position:
Dr. Olivier De ALMEIDA, Assistant Professor,
(E-mail : olivier.dealmeida@mines-albi.fr ou +33 (0)5 63 49 32 95)

Administrative aspects:
M. Thomas BRENAC, HR department,
(e-mail : thomas.brenac@mines-albi.fr - phone : +33 (0)5 63 49 33 65)

Closing date for application: December, 31^st 2022

Expected starting date: from February 2023

Background and profile