Description du sujet de thèse

Missions :
The main objective of the PhD work will be to design, fabricate, calibrate and test thin-film-based micro-sensors for temperature and force measurements in machining processes (turning, …). These multi-sensors, integrated into the workpiece and the tool sufficiently close to the interface, should enable better characterization of tool wear, machining process instability, the effect of cooling, lubrication… and from a scientific point of view, to analyze the generated flux and the partition coefficient according to operating conditions. The use of thin-film sensors is essential in order to be as close as possible to the tool/workpiece interface, enabling micron-level or even submicron-level analyses, for example at the grain scale in the grinding process. The end users are in the aeronautical industry, working on highly stressed and critical parts in the manufactured systems.
This PhD will therefore be specifically dedicated to the deposition of thin films by PVD-type processes (DC Magnetron and HIPIMS) and to the fabrication of thermal and piezoelectric sensors for the turning process. The three main contributions would be the use of the HIPIMS process, which is particularly interesting for achieving depositions at the bottom of grooves, allowing protection of the coatings during the presence of chips in the turning process (WP1 and WP2 for the turning process). The second is the fabrication of piezoelectric sensors based on AlN thin films for force measurements. The third aspect, particularly innovative, is the integration—thanks to FEMTO-ST's expertise—of these sensors as close as possible to the cutting interface.
Activities :
• Deposition of thin films using PVD-type processes (DC Magnetron and HIPIMS)
• Calibration of piezoelectric and thermal sensors
• Integration of these multi-sensors into turning tools, …
• Testing of the sensors in laboratory conditions and on semi-industrial machines.

Skils :
The candidate must hold a Master's degree or an engineering diploma in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Electronics or Mechatronics. Skills in thermal sciences will be an advantage. The candidate should have strong abilities for experimental work and writing skills (in French and English) … and above all, scientific curiosity and motivation. Internship experience in a research laboratory, particularly involving thin-film deposition processes, will be appreciated.

Contexte de travail

The PhD candidate will work at the IMN Jean Rouxel laboratory (UMR CNRS 6502) and at the FEMTO-ST institute (UMR CNRS 6174). IMN has strong expertise in deposition processes and their characterization. FEMTO-ST is a technological platform with internationally recognized expertise in micro-technologies, microsystems and sensors. The candidate will work in Nantes, Belfort and Besançon. This project is part of the ANR MGIMS AAPG2023 “Engineering and Process Sciences” program, awarded in July 2023. As such, the recruited person will collaborate with the LTeN laboratory in Nantes, LEM3 in Metz, as well as a tool manufacturer (EVATEC), in order to integrate and test these sensors in semi-industrial turning and grinding systems.

Le poste se situe dans un secteur relevant de la protection du potentiel scientifique et technique (PPST), et nécessite donc, conformément à la réglementation, que votre arrivée soit autorisée par l'autorité compétente du MESR.

Contraintes et risques

No Risk
Work in different Laboratories

Informations complémentaires

The recruitment process consists of two steps.
1. Pre-selection (application deadline: 25/06/2025): candidates must submit a motivation letter (maximum 1 page), a detailed CV (including contact details of one or two references), a copy of their diploma, and academic transcripts via the recruitment portal.
All applications will be reviewed, and a selection of candidates will be invited for an interview in Nantes (or online).
2. Interview with the scientific supervisors and, for pre-selected candidates, with the Doctoral School (end of June 2025, in Nantes or online): each candidate will present their background and motivation for the project, followed by a discussion