Institute of Materials Research
Topic
Crystal plasticity and fracture of entropy-stabilized carbides: micro/nanomechanical testing and FEM modelling
PhD. program
Year of admission
2025
Name of the supervisor
MSc. Tamás Csanádi, PhD.
Contact:
Receiving school
Prírodovedecká fakulta UPJŠ
Annotation
The dissertation work addresses the development of deformable ceramics, through the understanding and modification of crystal plasticity and fracture of grains, using micro/nanomechanical testing and finite element method (FEM) modelling. The research focuses mainly on entropy-stabilised carbides, which is a large new group of materials, primarily as promising next-generation ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs) for hypersonic and space applications. The topic includes the structural characterization (e.g. XRD, SEM, EBSD) of samples, but the main tasks will be the state-of-the-art micro/nanomechanical testing of grains (nanoindentation, micropillar compression, microcantilever bending) and their FEM modelling, including both plastic deformation and plasticity. The doctoral student will get familiarised with all techniques, however, basic knowledge of FEM modelling is required. Additionally, independent learning of new knowledge and good communication skills in English (both written and oral) is advantageous. Knowledge of cohesive zone and/or crystal plasticity modelling in FEM is a great advantage during the selection process.