Ghent University, Mechanics of Materials and Structures

Program ID:

Ghent University-Mechanics of Materials and Structures-PHD1 [#33126]

Program Title:

PhD (4 years) on experimental characterization of snap fit joints (Belgium)

Program Type:

Fellowship or award

Program Location:

Gent, Oost-Vlaanderen 9052, Belgium

Subject Areas:

Mechanical Engineering / Mechanics
Engineering mechanics
Materials Science / Engineering
Material Science and Engineering / Characterization

Appl Deadline:

2027/01/31 12:00:00 (posted 2026/10/17, listed until 2027/04/17)

Program Description:

[Net salary (after taxes) starting from 2600 EUR/month]

UGent-MMS is coordinating a 4-year research project on snap fit joints. Snap fit joints, also called snap-lock joints or clickable joints, are one of the most widely used connection types in all sorts of construction elements, automotive parts, medical devices and many more. Those joints are more and more important in the context of disassembly, recycling and repair.

This research project does not deal with the most simple snap fit joints, based on cantilever flexible beams. Rather it focuses on the complex snap fit joints that are used in window profiles, laminate flooring, injection moulded parts for automotive, etc. When those joints are engaged, they follow a complex loading path, with effects of friction, strain rate, geometric nonlinearity and manufacturing tolerances. After that, the snap fit joints have to keep the parts together for many years, despite temperature fluctuations, creep and environmental ageing.

The project is funded by Flanders Make, and is a collaboration between UGent, KULeuven and Flanders Make. The project is supported by 10 companies from the construction, automotive and consumer goods sector.

This PhD will focus on development of experimental characterization techniques for the engagement and long-term performance of snap fit joints. Instrumentation techniques such as Digital Image Correlation (DIC) and high-speed imaging will be used, and tests will be extended from quasi-static loading to long-term creep loading, combined with temperature influences. He/she will collaborate with the other PhD students and postdoc, involved in the project.

Only candidates with a Master degree should apply. The candidate should have a strong interest in experimental mechanics of materials, and should be enthusiastic to work in a collaborative project between industry and academia.

More information can be found on: https://composites.ugent.be/PhD_job_vacancies_PhD_job_positions_composites.html

We are not accepting applications for this program through AcademicProgramsOnline.Org right now. Please apply at https://composites.ugent.be/PhD_job_vacancies_PhD_job_positions_composites.html .

Contact: Prof. Wim VAN PAEPEGEM

Email: email address

Postal Mail:

: Ghent University
Mechanics of Materials and Structures
Department of Materials, Textiles and Chemical Engineering
Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 46
9052 Zwijnaarde
Belgium

Web Page: https://composites.ugent.be/