[Netherlands] PhD on Material Behaviour of Silicon Based Solar Cells - Delft University of Technology
Department of Materials Science and Engineering TU Delft
The Department of Materials Science and Engineering is one of the six departments within 3mE. Research of the department focuses on multidisciplinary activities on the area of materials science and engineering, encompassing the field of structural metals. Since the combination of metals with non-metals (composites, coatings, protection) is important in many cases, some attention is also paid to non-metals in this respect.
The Joining and Mechanical Behaviour Group within the department carries out research focused on understanding the response of materials to external mechanical and/or thermal influences and aims to develop sound physical descriptions of material phenomena responsible for performance and failure. The group employs a combination of experimental investigations and numerical modelling coupled with rigorous validation and verification to describe the performance of materials.
The Joining and Mechanical Behaviour Group in collaboration with ECN has a PhD vacancy: Material Behaviour of Silicon Based Solar Cells.
Project and job description
The high cost of silicon has led to a reduction in the thickness of wafers used in the production of photovoltaic solar cells. Practical experience has shown that this reduction in thickness has reached the limits of what can be permitted during the interconnection and lamination procedures of module production. This research will identify which stage(s) during the manufacturing process, from wafer to module, is (are) critical with respect to the introduction of stress or damage to the cell, resulting in its premature failure. This may be during wafer or cell processing, during interconnection or during lamination. The project will provide materials knowledge of the processing steps and an analysis of how the production process influences the stress state of the cell, interconnections or module.
The causes of failure; i.e., the material features leading to fracture and the local conditions under which fractures initiate and propagate are not yet well understood. Efficient techniques for stress measurement and damage characterisation should be developed. Thermo-mechanical numerical modelling will be undertaken predict failure probability based on the physical failure mechanisms identified.
This co-operative research will be carried out at TU Delft with time spent at ECN (Petten). The successful candidate will be expected to travel between the two organisations as required.
Requirements
Candidates for this project should have a Master’s degree in Material Science or Applied Physics with a strong background in the application of experimental techniques and experience with numerical modelling.
Delft University of Technology is a bilingual organisation; a good command of English (written and oral) is required, while a good command of Dutch is also preferred but not essential.
Conditions of employment
The position is based on an employment contract of 4 years (48 months) and is for a maximum of 38 hours per week (1 FTE). The estimated monthly PhD starting salary is based on scale P, building up from € 1,956 to € 2,502 gross per month based on a full-time appointment. Secondary benefits and other employment conditions are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. Assistance with accommodation can be arranged.
The successful candidate will be employed by Delft University of Technology for a period of 4 years within which time he/she is expected to write a dissertation leading to the title of PhD.
With regard to selection, internal candidates take precedence over external candidates. TU Delft strives to increase the number of women in higher academic positions; women are therefore especially encouraged to apply.
Information and application
For further details on the position you are welcome to contact Professor Ian Richardson, phone: + 31 (0)15 – 27 85086, e-mail: i.m.richardson@tudenflt.nl
To apply, please send your CV, a summary of your MSc thesis and a list of publications (if any), a covering letter stating your motivation why you are interested in the proposed project, your course programme and grades, the contact details of two professional referees, any other information you think may be relevant to your application to:
Delft University of Technology
Faculty of Mechanical
Maritime and Materials Engineering
Personnel Department
attn. Ms. A. Timmermans
Mekelweg 2
NL-2628 CD Delft
The Netherlands
or apply online to Application-3mE@tudelft.nl.
The application should be made in English. There is no fixed deadline for this position, but an early start to this project is preferred. The position will remain open until filled.
When applying for this job always mention the vacancy number AT3mE07.22.
http://www.vacaturesindelft.nl/phd/vacature.php?Id=663&Cat=17
