PhD Position Unravelling Hydrogen-Induced Degradation and Fracture in Circular Steels

Join a cutting-edge research programme at TU Delft and investigate the mechanisms of hydrogen-induced degradation in circular steels.

Job description

Within this project, you will investigate one of the key challenges facing the hydrogen economy: understanding how hydrogen interacts with the complex microstructures of circular steels and causes degradation and failure. This position is part of the project "Circularity as Opportunity: Engineering Hydrogen-Resistant Circular Steels (CIRHY)", a 6-year research and innovation programme developing next-generation circular steels that can safely operate in hydrogen environments. By combining advanced experiments with multiscale modelling, CIRHY aims to enable reliable and sustainable steels for future hydrogen infrastructure and industry.

Hydrogen embrittlement is one of the major barriers to the safe deployment of hydrogen technologies. At the same time, increasing steel circularity introduces microstructural complexity through tramp elements, precipitates, inclusions and segregation phenomena. While considerable progress has been made in understanding hydrogen embrittlement in conventional steels, the mechanisms governing hydrogen-induced degradation and fracture in compositionally complex circular steels remain poorly understood.

The Extreme Materials and Mechanics Group at TU Delft, led by Prof. Vera Popovich, is internationally recognized for its expertise in hydrogen embrittlement, fracture mechanics and advanced characterization of metallic materials. By combining state-of-the-art microscopy, hydrogen testing and fracture mechanics, the group develops fundamental understanding of material degradation in extreme environments and translates this knowledge into solutions for the energy transition.

Within this position, you will combine advanced microstructural characterization, in-situ hydrogen mechanical testing and fracture toughness experiments to uncover how hydrogen interacts with circular steel microstructures and affects deformation, ductility, crack initiation and crack propagation. You will investigate hydrogen trapping and transport, identify the microstructural features controlling embrittlement and establish quantitative links between microstructure and structural performance. The outcome of this research, conducted in close collaboration with Tata Steel and other partners, will provide crucial experimental insights for designing safer and more reliable hydrogen-resistant circular steels.

In this role, you will develop fundamental insights into the mechanisms governing hydrogen-induced degradation and failure of circular steels. As a PhD researcher, you will:

• Perform advanced 3D microstructural characterization of circular steels, focusing on segregation of tramp elements to precipitates, inclusions, interfaces, voids and dislocations.

• Investigate the influence of hydrogen on deformation behaviour and ductility through in-situ hydrogen mechanical testing.

• Quantify hydrogen transport, trapping and interaction with microstructural defects using advanced characterization techniques.

• Conduct in-situ hydrogen fracture toughness testing to identify crack initiation and propagation mechanisms.

• Collaborate closely with researchers from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at TU Delft, University of Groningen, Eindhoven University of Technology, University of Twente, KU Leuven, MPI for Sustainable Materials and multiple industrial partners.

• Contribute to scientific publications, conference presentations and dissemination activities within the M2i framework.

Job requirements

We are looking for a highly motivated and curious researcher with a strong interest in materials degradation, hydrogen embrittlement and advanced experimental characterization. You enjoy working at the intersection of materials science, mechanics and microscopy, and are excited to contribute to the development of sustainable materials for the hydrogen economy.

You are an independent thinker, eager to learn new experimental techniques, and enjoy collaborating with researchers from different disciplines as well as industrial partners.

Furthermore, you meet the following requirements:

• You hold a Master's degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, Metallurgy, or a closely related discipline.

• You have a strong background in physical metallurgy, materials characterization, fracture mechanics, mechanical behaviour of materials, or a related field.

• Experience with one or more advanced characterization techniques such as SEM, EBSD, TEM, XRD, SIMS or related methods is highly desirable.

• Experience with mechanical testing, fracture mechanics, hydrogen embrittlement research or materials degradation is an advantage but not mandatory.

• You have strong analytical and problem-solving skills and enjoy combining experimental observations with scientific interpretation.

• You have a strong academic track record, demonstrated by excellent study results and/or research experience.

• You are enthusiastic about working in a multidisciplinary academic and industrial consortium.

• You have excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.