EngD Position: Simulation-Guided Downgauging and Process Optimization of Recycled-Content Aluminum Trays

The EcoTray project aims to develop a validated, high-resolution finite element simulation framework that integrates experimentally calibrated material models and tribological behavior for recycled aluminum alloys. This initiative will provide predictive capability and design guidelines for the downgauging of aluminum trays from 160?µm to 130?µm while maintaining performance and minimizing failure risks.

Your role
Work primarily at FIP-AM@UT, applying advanced computational and experimental techniques in a high-tech industrial-academic setting.
Develop constitutive material models tailored to recycled aluminum sheet forming, and implement them within commercial FE software (e.g., ABAQUS).
Execute tribological experiments under realistic forming conditions and integrate parametric outcomes into the simulation pipeline.
Validate simulation results through pilot-scale forming trials at AMCOR.
Deliver a simulation-based decision-support platform that industrial engineers can use to optimize forming processes.
Publish your findings in peer-reviewed journals and present them at international conferences.
Collaborate closely with experts at University of Twente, AMCOR, and FIP-AM@UT in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment.