PhD Student – Materials & Processes (Cold Spray Simulation)

About the role

Airbus Defence and Space is seeking a motivated PhD student to join the Materials & Processes department in Manching. The research focuses on multiscale simulation of cold‑spray processes to predict repair quality, offering a unique opportunity to work on cutting‑edge numerical modelling within an international aerospace environment.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct a comprehensive state‑of‑the‑art review of numerical methods for cold‑spray simulation, emphasizing continuum‑mechanical approaches.
• Develop and validate simulation models for particle‑substrate interactions, including plastic deformation, adiabatic heating and interfacial bonding.
• Model damage mechanisms such as incomplete oxide disruption, delamination or crack initiation.
• Scale simulations from single‑impact to multi‑particle scenarios, accounting for statistical variations.
• Explore coupling between CFD and solid‑mechanics simulations for holistic process representation.
• Integrate simulation results with experimental data and disseminate findings through publications and presentations.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computational Mechanics, Materials Science or a related discipline.
• Strong background in solid mechanics, plasticity theory and numerical methods (FEM, CFD).
• Analytical thinking and ability to model complex physical phenomena.

Required skills

• Abaqus
• ANSYS
• LS‑DYNA
• Python
• Fortran
• C++
• Finite Element Method (FEM)
• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

What we offer

• Attractive salary with a 35‑hour flexible week.
• International work environment and networking opportunities.
• Access to modern simulation tools and interdisciplinary projects.
• Participation in the Generation Airbus Community.