PhD Scholarships in Corrosion of Power Electronics Systems

If you are looking for an exciting opportunity for PhD, we at Materials and Surface Engineering Section, Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, DTU is seeking candidates for PhD positions to work on corrosion failure mechanisms of Power Electronic components when they get exposed to humidity and other corrosive gaseous conditions. The period of employment is 3 years. 

Environmental effects on electronics are an important area today due to the widespread use of electronics such as electrification of vehicles and use in connection with renewable energy system, therefore PhD position provides opportunity to work in this exciting area in collaboration with major industries. This PhD project is part of Center for Climate Robust Electronic Design project funded by Poul Due Jensen’s Foundation, Denmark. 

Responsibilities

User environment such as humidity and gases influence performance of electronic devices due to the failure mechanisms caused by corrosion, which also depends upon the electronics parts operating parameters such as voltage/power for example on PCBA. Increasing voltage/power to get better functional performance of power electronic systems today increasing the possibility of corrosion failure modes, while mechanisms are getting modified due to several synergistic effects. One key failure mode is electrochemical migration generating short circuits; however, dendrite morphology and chemistry is determined by the electrochemical process that occurs in thin electrolyte layer. 

One PhD project will focus on understanding the change electrochemical migration mechanisms and its effects on short circuiting and functional issues that can generate failures in Power Electronics components under humidity and gaseous conditions. The effect of gaseous conditions such as Sulphur containing gases on failure mechanisms will be investigated. Work will involve testing different PCB design elements and materials under condensed water film formation and high voltage/power conditions, and post-analysis of dendrite chemistry and morphology using various characterization methods including in-situ Synchrotron analysis. 

Second PhD project will focus on relationship between the effect of PCBA cleanliness arising from manufacturing processes, surface condensation, electrochemical processes in water film and chemistry changes, and how it can lead to different failure modes such as electrochemical migration and anodic migration phenomena. Work will also involve testing at high voltage/power and post characterization of tested parts using different characterization methods including Synchrotron methods. 

Both PhD projects will also involve some level electrochemical modelling.

Your qualifications

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

We are looking for colleagues who would like to do exciting research in this area through collaboration and teamwork. As part of this, you must thrive in a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural and highly interactive environment where knowledge sharing, and collaboration are keys to success. Additionally, your CV comprises: 

• MSc in Materials Science and Engineering or Chemistry or Masters in electronics engineering with prior expertise in humidity/corrosion reliability of electronics
• Prior research experience in corrosion or corrosion in electronics is preferable
• Strong oral and written skills in English – our communication language is English
• Flexibility, enthusiasm, responsibility, team spirit and excellent collaboration skills
• Capable of working on your own initiative when appropriate 

Application procedure 

To apply, please read the full job advertisement by clicking the 'Apply' button

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