PhD Scholarship in Corrosion of Power Electronics Systems

If you are looking for an exciting opportunity for a PhD Scholarship, we at Materials and Surface Engineering section, Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark is seeking a candidate for a PhD position to work on corrosion failure mechanisms of Power Electronic components under humidity exposure conditions. 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 systems, 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 and qualifications

Environmental factors like humidity and gases impact the performance of electronic devices by causing corrosion, which is influenced by the operating parameters of electronic components, such as voltage and power, particularly in PCBAs. Increasing voltage or power to enhance the functional performance of power electronic systems but raises the risk of corrosion-related failure modes. These mechanisms are evolving due to various synergistic effects. A significant failure mode is electrochemical migration, which leads to short circuits and fire risk. The morphology and chemistry of dendrites are determined by the electrochemical processes occurring in a thin electrolyte layer formed electronic surfaces under humid conditions. 

This PhD project will investigate the connection between morphological effects of condensed water film formation on electrochemical migration (ECM) mechanisms and their implications for short-circuiting and functional degradation in power electronics components under humid environments. The study will specifically examine how growth of condensed water layer on PCB can be controlled to avoid conductor bridging under various conditions of creepage distance and other parameters. Work will also involve electrochemical modelling using existing models and using AI based tools to optimize layout designs. The focus of the work will be to cater to the needs of high voltage/power in power electronic systems, while avoiding humidity related robustness issues. 

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.

Specialization should be in Materials Science and Engineering or chemistry or related subjects such as corrosion science and engineering. Masters in electronics engineering with prior experience on humidity/corrosion reliability of electronics is also suitable. For all qualifications, prior experience of corrosion of electronics or similar topics is an advantage. A combination of knowledge in electronics, materials, corrosion, and reliability is preferred. 

Approval and Enrolment 

The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education. 

Application procedure 

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 20 March 2025 (23:59 Danish time).

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