EngD Position: Simulation-Guided Downgauging and Process Optimization of Recycled-Content Aluminum Trays (EcoTray)
- Enschede, Overijssel
- € 3.029 per maand
- Vast
- Voltijds
based on full-time€ 3,029Deadline1 Sep 2025The focus lies on advancing the digital and experimental design of sustainable deep-drawing processes for downgauged, recycled-content aluminum trays.The ChallengePrecision-formed aluminum trays are indispensable in high-specification packaging for medical, pharmaceutical, and consumer goods. Currently, these are manufactured using thick virgin aluminum and require intensive trial-and-error setup, resulting in excessive waste, frequent tooling maintenance, and high carbon emissions.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.By implementing this platform at FIP-AM@UT, the project bridges cutting-edge academic research with direct industrial relevance, supporting AMCOR's transition toward circular production models aligned with EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) targets.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.
- A Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field with strong academic standing.
- Demonstrated expertise in finite element modeling, nonlinear solid mechanics, and computational plasticity.
- Experience with user subroutines (UMAT/VUMAT) in ABAQUS or similar platforms.
- Hands-on experience in mechanical and tribological testing, preferably including strain field measurement techniques such as Digital Image Correlation (DIC).
- Interest in sustainable manufacturing, digital twins, and circular economy solutions.
- Self-driven, structured, and communicative, with excellent English language skills (spoken and written).
- A two-year full-time EngD position, jointly hosted at FIP-AM@UT, with academic supervision by the Chair of Nonlinear Solid Mechanics, and industrial guidance from AMCOR.
- Gross monthly salary of € 3.029,- in accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
- Attractive secondary benefits, including 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, generous paid leave (232-328 hours/year), and free campus sports access.
- Enrollment in a customized training curriculum of the Twente Graduate School in computational mechanics, materials processing, and industrial systems design.
- A vibrant, industry-facing research environment at FIP-AM@UT, with access to high-performance computing, precision testing labs, and pilot-scale forming lines.
- Curriculum Vitae
- Motivation Letter
- Academic transcripts (BSc and MSc)
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL)
- Contact details of two academic/professional references
Human TouchAt the UT it’s all about people, in line with our university’s High Tech Human Touch philosophy. In everything we do, the well-being and future of our students and staff are paramount. From research and teaching to personnel management, campus management and the use of new technologies.Our mission
We are a university of technologyOur university is a public institution that serves society. We are accountable to society for the ways in which we use our academic freedom. We are responsible for ensuring that the power of science and technology is harnessed to achieve the best possible impact in a changing world. We cherish our rich tradition of combining technical and social sciences in our five profiling themes: Improving healthcare by personalized technologies; Creating intelligent manufacturing systems; Shaping our world with smart materials; Engineering our digital society; and Engineering for a resilient world.Our mission
We help to strengthen societyWe help society meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. But we are also transparent about what science and technology can and cannot do in finding sustainable solutions. And help translate these solutions into everyday life.Our mission
We are sustainableWe want our communities to flourish and show resilience, so we seize opportunities for innovation. We are knowledgeable and have an eye for what society needs. Our students and staff receive all the guidance they need in their quest for ecological, social and economic sustainability.
“The University of Twente is all about people. Our sustainable technologies help to strengthen society.”