Constellium is a global leader designing and manufacturing innovative and high value-added aluminum products and solutions for a broad range of applications dedicated primarily to aerospace, automotive and packaging markets. Constellium Technology Center (C-TEC) based in Grenoble (Voreppe - 38) is Constellium’ s European research center with 246 employees and 20 nationalities.

Optimize structure of 2000 series aluminium alloys through control of dispersoids and thermomechanical process route

Aluminium is everywhere — from airplanes to cars to can. But making it both lightweight and strong requires precise control over its internal structure. One of the key players is a group of tiny particles called dispersoids. Their size, distribution, and composition can significantly impact the final mechanical properties by modifying recrystallization and strain localisation. The thermomechanical process during hot-rolling is also of importance to achieve best properties.

This internship will focus on 2xxx alloys widely used in aerospace industry. The study aims to explore at the lab scale different thermomechanical routes (homogenization and hot-rolling) and define impact on the formation and distribution of dispersoids, texture development and microstructure.

The goals are to understand how these different parameters influence the aluminium structure and to propose strategies to better control microstructural evolution and improve alloy performance.

The project will contain multiple streams:

Bibliographical survey
Define best simulation routes at lab scale
Follow the transformation of products at the lab-scale
Characterize the microstructure through texture, microscopy observations and build a comprehensive database
Analyze the data, use models and draw conclusions to make concrete suggestions on methods to further optimize process

The intern will work within the metallurgy team and will be supervised by two R&D engineers.

Education level: M2

Materials Engineering

Competencies & technical & soft skills requirement:

Basic understanding of metallurgy, aluminium alloys and metals processing and characterization methods
Basic bibliographic research skills and ability to synthesize information and write reports
Ability to compile, analyze, synthesize and present results requiring various levels of technical detail (high-level vs. research focused).
Ability to perform experimental work
Ability to work independently but also as part of a team
A high level of organization is necessary and the ability to multi-task will be required
Good level of English and French (both written and spoken)
Actively work in a safe manner and follow standard operating procedures and adhering to Constellium’s required safety practices
A first experience in basic image analysis (ImageJ/Fuji) is a plus