PhD in Micromechanical modelling of particle generation in silicon wafer handling

Introduction

Are you an engineer who wants to contribute to high-tech, state-of-the-art modelling of microscopic wear of silicon during wafer handling? We are looking for an outstanding and enthusiastic PhD candidate, with a strong computational mechanics profile of excellence.

Job Description

Context

The yield of many manufacturing processes of micro- and nanoscale substrates depends highly on their cleanliness. Reduction of contaminating particles improves the overall efficiency and quality, thereby enabling the creation of larger structured substrates. Investing in the prevention of wear particles generation is a way to tackle this issue directly at the source, which is particularly relevant for wafer handling.

Silicon is a very complex material, undergoing multiple phase transformation, with some phases showing extensive plastic deformation, during mechanical loading and contact. The generation of particles is rooted in the complex fracture events spanning the various phases of silicon in various 3D stress configurations. A predictive model should properly account for the complex physics, damage and fracture. The loading conditions in contact and scratching are equally complex and need to be properly accounted for as well.

PhD project

The objective of this PhD project is to achieve predictive simulations of silicon particle detachment under contact conditions, enabling a quantitative assessment of the governing influence factors and possible mitigation routes to control the detachment process. To achieve this goal, a physically-based extension of an existing particle-based method (implemented in LAMMPS) is required to account for transformation plasticity, damage and fracture, which is the ultimate objective of this project.

Starting from a preliminary particle-continuum based model for silicon, the following extensions and improvements need to be made:

• Improved constitutive model for silicon governing its mechanical response and damage upon strain-induced phase transformations
• Large-scale plasticity mechanisms leading to chip formation
• Develop bond-based fracture criteria for the silicon phases
• Implement a damage model in the particle-based continuum bond method and validate the model on the basis of experimental results
• Extend contact formulation to account for friction
• Incorporate the crystalline anisotropy in the particle-continuum formulation

The modelling framework above will strongly depend on experimental input for the material characterization and validation. The interaction between the modelling project and a parallel experimental project, focused on measuring particle generation in silicon wafers is therefore essential.

Section Mechanics of Materials

You will work in the section of Mechanics of Materials (MoM) (www.tue.nl/mechmat) at the department of Mechanical Engineering of Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). The MoM section is recognized worldwide for its high-level research on experimental analysis, theoretical understanding and predictive modelling of complex mechanical behavior in engineering materials at different length scales (e.g, plasticity, damage, fracture), which emerges from the physics and mechanics of the underlying multi-phase microstructure. An integrated numerical-experimental approach is generally adopted for this goal. A state-of-the-art computing infrastructure is in place for the numerical work in this project.

Job Requirements

• An outstanding, motivated, enthusiastic, curiosity-driven researcher. Deep analytical skills, initiative, creativity, and flexibility are highly desired.
• An MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics, or similar.
• A convincing and very strong background in continuum and computational mechanics, supported by excellent grades, is required. Candidates without such a background are discouraged to apply.
• Additional experience in materials science, metallurgy, experimental mechanics, mechanical testing, micromechanics, or structure-property relationships is of benefit.
• Interest to work in an interdisciplinary project, with a strong scientific profile, but in close coordination with industrial partners such as VDL ETG.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.
• An advanced PhD-level training program in the field of Engineering Mechanics, organized by the Dutch Graduate School on Engineering Mechanics (engineeringmechanics.nl).

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is a leading international university within the Brainport region where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more about the scientific content of the PhD project? Please feel free to contact us: Prof. Marc Geers (m.g.d.geers@tue.nl), Prof. Johan Hoefnagels (j.p.m.hoefnagels@tue.nl).

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact hrservices.me@tue.nl.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• a Cover letter in which you briefly describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• a detailed Curriculum Vitae, including:
  • the starting and end dates of your BSc and MSc study
  • a list of your publications
  • a brief description of your MSc thesis project
  • contact information of three references
• the Official Grade Lists of your BSc. and MSc. education, listing all your courses taken and grades obtained.
• a separate list of your experience with continuum and computational mechanics in general and the following skills in particular:
  • continuum mechanics for large deformations
  • numerical mechanics and analysis (FEM simulations, meshing, etc.)
  • programming skills (Matlab/Python coding, user-defined FE routines, …),
  • theoretical (mechanical) analyses,
  • numerical analysis of experimental data,
  • microstructure-based simulations (using experimental microstructures).

We look forward to receiving your application. Closing date is January 10th, 2025, but we will screen applications as we receive them. Promising candidates may expect to be invited for an online interview.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.