MSCA PF Improving Electronic Life Assessment through Structural Durability-Based Methodologies

Research project description

This postdoctoral fellowship offers a unique opportunity to improve the design and structural assessment

of electronic boards. Current practices in electronics often overlook the impact of structural durability,

which frequently emerge as the root cause of failures extending beyond purely electronic malfunctions.

Some examples are found within the automotive sector, where the transition to electrical systems

introduces new challenges in ensuring the structural integrity of electronic components under varied

operational conditions. Similarly, in the aerospace industry, weight considerations in board design often

prioritize efficiency without fully accounting for the structural dynamics that can lead to premature

failures. Despite the growing emphasis on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate environmental impacts,

the structural durability of electronic components remains a critical yet under-addressed aspect.

The successful candidate will work within a dynamic research environment, collaborating with industry

partners and contributing to significant advancements in structural durability within the electronics field.

The research is carried out in several stages, beginning with material characterization of Printed Circuit

Boards (PCBs) to determine the properties of their constituent materials. This baseline will support

subsequent static and dynamic analyses of complete PCBs and Printed Circuit Board Assemblies (PCBAs),

which include tensile, fatigue, hardness, microstructural, and thermal mechanical-physical tests.

Experimental investigations further explore structural characteristics through the design and manufacture

of dedicated equipment for dynamic and static tests, addressing aspects such as board stiffness, shear

modulus, and frequency response.

Computer-aided electronic design (eCAD) and finite element analysis (FEA) will play a crucial role in

simulating static and dynamic scenarios, providing benchmarks against experimental results. Sensitivity

studies and boundary condition analyses aim to establish a trade-off between computational efficiency

and accuracy. Durability experimental tests will evaluate the endurance of PCBAs under various loading

conditions, focusing on fatigue resistance and shock loads from real case studies or provided by industrial

partners. The use of laboratory machinery, including shakers, accelerometers and lasers, will enable the

execution of a significant number of different tests.

Validation in real-world scenarios will further strengthens the applicability of this research in the industry.

Collaborations with industrial partners will facilitate the validation of methodologies and materials,

ultimately setting new standards for electronic component design and testing.

The successful candidate will benefit from the tutoring of prof. Francesco Bucchi at the Department of Civil

and Industrial Engineering (DICI), University of Pisa, whose experience in structural durability and dynamic

analysis of mechanical systems ensures comprehensive guidance throughout the duration of the project.

In addition, the host lab offers a cutting edge research environment that promotes collaboration and

innovation.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must have a PhD degree at the time of the deadline for applications (11th September 2024).

Applicants who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been

awarded the doctoral degree will also be considered eligible to apply.

At the call deadline, the applicant must have a maximum of 8 years experience in research, from the date

of the award of their PhD degree. Years of experience outside research and career breaks will not count

towards the above maximum, nor will years of experience in research in third countries, for nationals or

long-term residents of EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries who wish to reintegrate

to Europe.

Mobility Rule: The applicant may be of any nationality but must not have resided or carried out their main

activity (work, studies, etc.) in Italy (for European Fellowships) or the host organization for the outgoing

phase (in case of Global Fellowship) for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before 11th

September 2024.

Application procedure

Expressions of interest must be sent by email to francesco.bucchi@unipi.it no later than 31 May and must

consist of two pdf files:

1) Complete and updated CV, clearly demonstrating all 3 eligibility requirements.

2) Motivation letter, maximum one page.