IMDEA Materials Institute is a public research organization founded in 2007 by Madrid’s regional government to carry out research of excellence in Material Science and Engineering by attracting talent from all over the world to work in an international and multidisciplinary environment. IMDEA Materials has grown rapidly since its foundation and currently includes more than 120 researchers from 22 nationalities and has become one of the leading research centers in materials in Europe which has received the María de Maeztu seal of excellence from the Spanish government. The research activities have been focused on the areas of materials for transport, energy, and health care and the Institute has state-of-the-art facilities for processing, characterization and simulation of advanced materials.

More information can be found at our webpage.

The project aims to establish the foundation for future technologies that will enable the integration of photovoltaic (PV) cells into metallic structures for automotive applications. This integration involves developing hybrid, multilayer structures designed to meet requirements related to aesthetics, durability, cell encapsulation, electrical insulation between cell strings and metallic parts, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness. While existing materials and solutions from both the PV and automotive industries can contribute to meeting these requirements, specific challenges must be addressed to achieve successful integration. The objective is to define hybrid structures for integrating PV cells into metallic car body components. These multilayer structures must provide several key characteristics: an external transparent protective layer, encapsulants, PV cells and electrical connections, an electrical insulation layer, and a metallic substrate. The combination of different materials will influence the overall properties of the structure.

The main objective of this thesis is to contribute to the design of such multilayer structures by performing a deep mechanical analysis of the fabrication (lamination and estamping) and mechanical performance of the structures. This study will be based on modeling and simulation of the materials and processes involved, including the elasto-plastic response of the layers, model of the contact and adhesion, simulation of fracture and delimitation, etc.The main tool to be used will be the finite element method.

Candidates should hold BSc or MSc in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science or related disciplines with excellent academic credentials and a solid commitment to developing an academic career in an international and multidisciplinary environment.

It will be specially valued the expertise in the Finite Element Method and a good background in mechanics of solids, plasticity and fracture mechanics. Programming experience will also be valued.

Starting date: open until filled.

Full time contract, including social security coverage.

Applications are processed upon reception. The position might be closed once ten working days have passed since publication, so we encourage early application.

The working language of the Institute is English. Full command of the English language is required in all positions.