7^th Research Framework Programme of the EU (FP7), Marie-Curie-Actions - Initial Training Networks, the project Macro, Micro and Nano Aspects of Machining - MAMINA

The use of titanium, nickel-base, and cobalt-base alloys is necessary for the production of turbine parts and other components in the aerospace and the power generation industry due to their high strength even in the high temperature regime. On the other hand, these materials are known as the most difficult-to-machine metallic materials and so far, only small progress has been made to improve their machinability. During the production of turbine components up to 50% of the manufacturing costs can be related to machining.

The MAMINA project will therefore combine the work of nineteen European universities, research institutions and industrial companies to analyse and improve the machinability of three selected alloys that are widely used in industry, namely Ti15V3Cr3Al3Sn (a titanium-base beta-alloy), Inconel IN706 (a nickel-base superalloy) and X40 (a cobalt-base alloy). As the chip formation is one of the key factors influencing the machinability of these materials, this process will be studied in detail in a multidisciplinary approach. 24 early stage researchers from the fields of theoretical physics, materials science and mechanical engineering will work on metal cutting experiments, material analyses and simulations at the macro, micro- and nano-scale.

Within the project Investigation of High-Performance Alloys (ESR S1) the chemical, mechanical and physical properties of the three alloys used in the project will be investigated by the use of unique experimental equipment in different European countries, namely Finland (Tampereen Teknillinen Ylipisto), Germany (TU Braunschweig, HASYLAB/DESY, Netzsch Gerätebau) and Switzerland (EMPA). The work will be carried out in close cooperation with the young researchers of the consortium. Besides the research activities, the education will be completed by the attendance of an extensive training programme.

To apply:

The project is planned to start on November 1^st 2008. The position will be salaried according to the financial guidelines of FP7. Later employment at the Technische Universtät Braunschweig to carry out a PhD thesis is planned. Interested candidates having a diploma/master degree in mechanical engineering, materials science or physics are asked to submit their application via the web interface of the MAMINA homepage www.mamina.eu. In case of questions do not hesitate to contact the coordinator, coordinator@mamina.eu.