Materials

Dr. Muhammad Shahid Arshad

I’m Dr. M. Shahid Arshad from the Jožef Stefan Institute, specializing in advanced permanent magnets, 3D printing, and nanostructures. With 13 publications and a patent, I’m seeking a motivated PhD candidate to develop high-performance magnetic materials using cutting-edge field-assisted 3D printing technology. Join me to push the boundaries of magnetics!

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Research programme: Nanostructured materials
Training topic: Magnetic-Field-Assisted 3D Printing of Next-Generation Multipole Magnets for Electric Motor Applications

Project Overview:

The objective of this PhD project is to investigate the application of magnetic-field-assisted 3D printing technology for the fabrication of next-generation multipole magnets with improved performance and efficiency in electric motor applications. The project involves the design, simulation, fabrication, and testing of multipole magnets using magnetic-field-assisted 3D printing, with a focus on optimizing their magnetic properties and performance in electric motors.

Specific Research Objectives:

  1. Literature Review:
    • Conduct a comprehensive review of existing research on magnetic-field-assisted 3D printing, multipole magnets, and electric motor design.
    • Identify the current state-of-the-art, challenges, and knowledge gaps in these areas.
  2. Design and Simulation:
    • Develop novel designs for multipole magnets tailored for electric motor applications.
    • Use finite element modeling (FEM) and computational magnetostatics to simulate the magnetic behavior of the designed magnets.
    • Optimize the magnet design using multi-objective optimization techniques.
  3. Magnetic-Field-Assisted 3D Printing:
    • Implement a magnetic-field-assisted 3D printing process for the fabrication of multipole magnets.
    • Investigate the effects of printing parameters (e.g., magnetic field strength, printing speed, and material properties) on the magnetic properties and performance of the printed magnets.
  4. Experimental Characterization:
    • Fabricate and characterize the magnetic properties (e.g., magnetic field strength, magnetic moment, and coercivity) of the printed multipole magnets.
    • Investigate the performance of the printed magnets in electric motor applications using experimental testing and measurements (e.g., torque, efficiency, and speed).
  5. Integration and Testing:
    • Integrate the printed multipole magnets into an electric motor prototype.
    • Test and evaluate the performance of the motor under various operating conditions (e.g., different loads, speeds, and temperatures).

Methodologies:

  1. Design and Simulation:
    • Finite element modeling (FEM) and computational magnetostatics using software packages such as COMSOL, ANSYS, or OpenFOAM.
    • Multi-objective optimization techniques using algorithms such as genetic algorithms, particle swarm optimization, or response surface methodology.
  2. Magnetic-Field-Assisted 3D Printing:
    • Utilization of our custom-built 3D printing system incorporated with a magnetic field generator.
    • Printing of multipole magnets using various materials (e.g., SmFeN, NdFeB, or composite materials).
  3. Experimental Characterization:
    • Magnetic property measurement using techniques such as vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), and magnetometers.
    • Magnetic particle alignment investigation with SEM
    • Electric motor performance testing using dynamometers, oscilloscopes, and data acquisition systems.

Expected Outcomes:

  1. Novel Designs and Fabrication Techniques:
    • Development of innovative designs and fabrication techniques for multipole magnets using magnetic-field-assisted 3D printing.
  2. Improved Magnetic Properties:
    • Enhancement of magnetic properties (e.g., magnetic field strength, magnetic moment, and coercivity) of printed multipole magnets.
  3. High-Performance Electric Motor:
    • Development of a high-performance electric motor prototype incorporating printed multipole magnets with optimized magnetic properties.
  4. Contribution to the Field:
    • Contribution to the advancement of magnetic-field-assisted 3D printing, multipole magnet design, and electric motor technology.

Timeline and Milestones:

  • Literature Review and Design: First Year
  • Simulation and Optimization: First-Year
  • Magnetic-Field-Assisted 3D Printing: Second-Year
  • Experimental Characterization and Testing: Second-Year
  • Integration and Testing of Electric Motor Prototype: Third-Year
  • Writing and Defense of the PhD Thesis: Fourth-Year

Supervision and Support:

The PhD student will be supervised by Dr. Muhammad Shahid Arshad expert in the fields of magnetic-field-assisted 3D printing, multipole magnet design, and electric motor technology. The student will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including 3D printing equipment, magnetic property measurement instruments, and electric motor testing equipment.

Required Skills and Background:

  • Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., materials science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or physics).
  • Strong background in electromagnetism, materials science, and 3D printing.
  • Experience with finite element modeling, computational magnetostatics, and multi-objective optimization techniques.
  • Familiarity with electric motor design and testing.
  • Excellent programming skills in languages such as MATLAB, Python, or C++.
  • Good English communication and teamwork skills.