Influence of hydrogen on the precipitation sequence in high-strength aluminium alloys

Hydrogen is a key element to a zero-carbon emission future, yet its ingress critically influences the physical properties of most materials. This PhD thesis proposal aims to perform a detailed experimental and theoretical study to quantify the hydrogen contribution to precipitation kinetics and mechanical properties in high-strength Al-based alloys. This quantification will be achieved through atom-scale experiments (scanning transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography) correlated with differential scanning calorimetry and micro-indentation measurements. Finally, the last part of the project will aim to optimise the microstructure using hydrogen. Such an approach will also be supported by in-situ micro mechanical tests in a scanning electron microscope and by atom-scale characterisation.

The GPM is a Joint Research Unit (UMR 6634) between the University of Rouen Normandy, INSA Rouen Normandy, and the CNRS, where it is affiliated with CNRS-Physics (INP). It is headed by Xavier Sauvage, a CNRS research director. The GPM's scientific activities are rooted in the laboratory's history, which dates back to the late 1960s. Scientific instrumentation has always played a central role, with microscopy and materials analysis techniques serving as a unifying force. Gradual developments have shaped the GPM of today, which boasts a world-class instrumental platform and activities across numerous thematic fields. These are distributed across five thematic departments: (i) Scientific Instrumentation, (ii) Metallurgy, Microstructure, and Mechanics, (iii) Functional Materials and Nanostructures, (iv) Disordered Systems and Polymers, and (v) Thematic Openings and Innovations.

The GPM is firmly committed to strong international collaborations, with 50% of its scientific articles co-authored with researchers from foreign institutions. We are also dedicated to promoting diversity by recruiting half of our doctoral students and contract researchers from abroad. Finally, we should mention our Franco-American laboratory, "Advanced Mechanics and Materials Engineering (AMME)," associated with the "Mechanical & Materials Engineering" department at the University of Lincoln in Nebraska (USA).

Furthermore, the GPM maintains strong ties with industry: a portion of our research activities is carried out in partnership with industrial partners. The GPM is a joint laboratory with the EDF R&D Centre (joint laboratory EM2VM: Study and Modeling of Microstructures for the Aging of Materials) and the company Manoir Industrie (IPERS: Innovation and performance of refractory Steels). Furthermore, past or present collaborations have been developed with NEXANS, ACOME, EdF, INTEL, CAMECA, Constellium, Manoir Industries, Volum-e, Ascometal, Aperam, Aubert et Duval, Arcelor-Mittal, Framatome, ZODIAC Aerospace, ZODIAC Aerosafety Systems, SAFRAN Nacelles, SAFRAN Aerosystems, Ariane group, Technip-FlexiFrance, Framatom, FAVI, AREVA, Hutchinson, Cyclamen, Galloo, Eco-systems, Selfrag, STMicrolectronics, IBS, EADS, TRT, TGS, TSA, THAV, TR6, Airbus, Valeo, NXP, Safran Hispano Suiza, Thales Air System, Ligeron, MBBM, A&S, Areelis, MBDA, Thales Com & Security, Sagem, SAFRAN Aerosystems, APTAR Pharma, AFP, NUTRISET, SEALED AIR, Francofil, L’OREAL Research and Innovation, OFITECH/ONDULINE, Polyone, BMG-Securits, BERTIN, PEG, Sanofi, Exsymol,...

Finally, the GPM is strongly involved in teaching and research training. It is at the heart of higher education in Normandy through its two supervisory bodies, the University of Rouen Normandy and INSA Rouen. Furthermore, the laboratory hosts around forty interns and fifteen new doctoral students every year, thus contributing fully to research training.

The candidate must be a student in the second year of a Master’s degree or in the final year of an engineering school specialising in materials science, metallurgical physics or physical chemistry. They must have a strong foundation in phase transformation, particularly the precipitation mechanism in metallic alloys. Prior training in aluminium alloys, hydrogen-metal interactions or the mechanical behaviour of materials would be a significant advantage. We expected the candidate to demonstrate strong scientific curiosity, experimental rigour, and the ability to analyse complex phenomena by correlating microstructural evolution with mechanical behaviour. They should be methodical, organised and autonomous, while also being comfortable in a collaborative research environment. Experience with data analysis tools, such as Python or MATLAB is a plus and a B2-level in English (B2 level) is required for this position.