Advanced ceramics for investment casting - Design for thermal shock resistance

Objectives: Aiming to investigate how shell microstructure and cluster architecture affect thermal shock resistance in ceramic shell moulds. Advanced in-situ testing and multi-scale FEM modelling will be used to reveal key stress and damage mechanisms. The results will deliver predictive design rules and digital tools to support high-throughput casting strategy. In the long term, the developed numerical methodology must be integrated into the cluster design process.

Expected Results: Identification of critical thermal gradient thresholds; Definition of robust design rules for shell mould clusters ; Experimental validation of microstructure–thermal shock resistance; Multi-scale FEM models for crack risks; Delivery of digital twin with a certain level of validation; Proposal and assessment of new cluster architectures; Validation of optimised solutions through industrial trials.

Two host institutions (one academic and one industrial)

Academic host – IRCER (www.ircer.fr), Limoges, France (18 months)  is a leading research laboratory in advanced ceramics and high-temperature materials, with expertise spanning microstructure characterization, thermomechanics, durability, and numerical modelling of materials for extreme environments.

Industrial host – SAFRAN (www.safran-group.com), Colombes, France (18 months) is the research and technology center of the Safran Group. It conducts advanced research in materials, propulsion, and aerospace technologies to support the development of next-generation aircraft and space systems.

Master’s level in Materials Science and/or Computational Methods in Mechanical Engineering.

Candidates should be excellent in their skills for numerical method applied to thermo-mechanics, with some experiences. Familiarity with software such as Abaqus would be an advantage. Knowledge in material science, associated experimental characterisation techniques is also expected (experience with ceramic materials is appreciated). Oral and written communication skills (English) are also needed (experience with Finite Element Method software(s) is appreciated).