Missions

In many industrial sectors (transportation, energy, etc.), structures are subjected to dynamic loads (due to vibration, shock, high speed motion, etc.) that lead to complex tribological damage at component interfaces. This damage is the result of a combination of impact, sliding, and/or fretting . The dynamic behaviour of components influences the evolution of the tribological state of interfaces, and reciprocally. Tribological phenomena can induce significant modifications to the system dynamics, notably manifesting as noise, vibration, and harshness (NHV) issues. It is therefore understood that interface damage can seriously harm the efficiency and even the reliability of mechanical systems.
This project aims to better understand and formalise tribological damage mechanisms induced by combined impact, sliding, and/or fretting. The objective is to identify correlations between the material responses under these conditions in order to optimise both material selection and mitigation strategies (e.g., coatings). The study will focus on metal/metal and metal/ceramic interfaces, potentially with coated configurations, and will also explore the effects of severe environmental conditions (high temperature, corrosive atmospheres, humidity, etc.) on the tribological behaviour of these interfaces.

Activities

As part of the LTDS tribology team (Lyon - Écully campus), you will contribute to research in a post-doctoral position focused on tribological damage under complex conditions. Your tasks will include:
• Conduct a literature review on tribological damage phenomena induced by combined conditions (impact/sliding/fretting), to identify suitable model materials.
• Design, develop, and adapt experimental setups to study these phenomena.
• Perform tribological tests under various conditions.
• Analyse experimental results and characterise damaged surfaces.
• Develop a methodology to correlate experimental results and propose damage mechanisms.
• Optionally contribute to the implementation of numerical simulations to complement the experimental study and establish a numerical/experimental dialogue.

Skills

• PhD in Materials Science or Mechanical Engineering, with background in tribology, especially in experimental studies of dry friction damage.
• Expertise in numerical simulations in tribology would be an advantage

Work Context

The Laboratory of Tribology and Dynamics of Systems (LTDS, UMR5513), which brings together the CNRS, the ECL, the ENISE and the ENTPE, is made up of 4 teams, including the “Tribology, Physico-Chemistry and Dynamics of Interfaces” (TPCDI) team. Its scientific objective is to progress in the understanding of the phenomena of contact, friction, wear, adhesion and lubrication, from the scale of elementary mechanisms (mechanics, physics, chemistry, materials), to the scale of mechanical systems as well as in processes. A characteristic of the TPCDI team is to ensure continuity from the scientific approach to industrial issues: it develops a balanced academic and strong partnership research in order to study and propose technological solutions (surface engineering, coatings, surface functionalization, new lubricants, etc.) for the control of tribological interfaces. The approach to tribology is multidisciplinary and covers multiple time and space scales (from atoms to systems). To achieve these objectives, we have been developing a methodology based on experimentation pushed to its limits for over 40 years. This has led us to build and master a substantial experimental park made up of standard but also original tools, which we design, produce and develop to respond to scientific issues.
The laboratory aims to significantly develop this research theme. At the end of the post-doctoral period, the recruited person may be supported in applying for CNRS Research Fellow competitions or ERC Starting Grants to strengthen this theme and develop his / her own research trajectory within our laboratory.

The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival is authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.