Determining the probability of failure stochastically combining a probabilistic Kitagawa diagram, local defect population, local matrix properties, probability of detection, and other variables

This project takes part partially in both Canada and Italy!

The project, "Determining the probability of failure stochastically combining a probabilistic Kitagawa diagram, local defect population, local matrix properties, probability of detection, and other variables" is part of project FATCO 2019: "Fatigue and corrosion-fatigue behavior of 13Cr-4Ni steels and additively manufactured alloys for application to large-size components such as hydraulic turbines and machinery."

__Your project: Determining the probability of failure stochastically combining a probabilistic Kitagawa diagram, local defect population, local matrix properties, probability of detection, and other variables__

This doctoral project is at Politechnico Milano and at the École de technologie supérieure under the supervision of Philippe Bocher, Myriam Brochu, Stefano Beretta, Roberto Tovo, and in collaboration with researchers in our partner organizations, including Denis Thibault, Matteo Cova, and Martin Gagnon. The doctoral project is centered on producing a probabilistic Kitagawa-type failure diagram as part of the larger corrosion-fatigue project.

A probability of occurrence model will be generated for the largest defects that could be present in industrial-size welded and cast parts. This model will be coupled with probability of detection via non-destructive techniques and sampling patterns. The methods developed will be validated experimentally. Additionally, crack propagation tests will be performed to characterize crack growth kinetics in the Paris and near-threshold behavioral regimes. The model produced will enable prediction of failure probability as a function of stress history. Failure cases on large-scale samples will be employed for validation. A sensitivity study will be performed on the model parameters.

__FATCO 2019, an international effort__

Join our efforts under the umbrella of a large, multidisciplinary, international project entitled "Fatigue and corrosion-fatigue behavior of 13Cr-4Ni steels and additively manufactured alloys for application to large-size components such as hydraulic turbines and machinery," abbreviated FATCO 2019.

The global objective of FATCO 2019 is to develop advanced understanding of corrosion and corrosion-fatigue of Fe-based materials in order to generate predictive methods and metallurgical specifications better adapted to corrosion-fatigue. These methods will aid in maintaining cost-effective hydroelectric infrastructure in Quebec and in the machinery developed by SACMI.

FATCO 2019 involves a number of industrial and academic partners: the Hydro-Québec Research Institute (IREQ), the multinational group SACMI, the Consortium de recherche et d’innovation en transformation métallique (CRITM), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Polytechnique Montréal, McGill University, the École de technologie supérieure, the Centre de métallurgie du Québec (CMQ), Politecnico di Milano, and the Università degli Studi di Ferrara.

As a member of the project, you will collaborate with professional researchers and technicians working in our partner companies, institutes and universities. Under the supervision of your advisors, you will learn to lead a research project in its entirety: from conception through to project planning, experimental execution, analysis, and production of practical scientific results. The project is full-time and includes substantial financial aid (26 250$/year for PhD students) with the possibility of additional scholarships.

__Conditions and application__

Profile: Engineering diploma or B.Sc. in materials, mechanical engineering, chemistry, physics or a related field. Able to communicate in English. Polytechnique Montreal has an equal access employment program and encourages women, members of visible and ethnic minorities, Aboriginal people and persons with disabilities to apply.

Candidacy deadline: Prior to May 2019.
Start date: July 2019.
Duration: 3 to 5 years.

If interested, please supply the following information: the project requested; a one-page letter introducing your expertise, experience, and professional motivation; your resume; all relevant university transcripts; and an example of your written work, such as your best publication, if any.