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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Part-Time Research Assistant will work on the mechanical activation of lithium-bearing underclay through the integration of controlled laboratory experiments and Discrete Element Method (DEM) modeling. The primary objective is to establish quantitative relationships between planetary milling parameters, milling speed (400–600 rpm), milling time (30–120 min), and ball-to-powder ratio (10:1–30:1), and the dominant stress regimes (impact, shear, compression, and friction) responsible for structural disorder and amorphization in clay minerals.

A statistically robust Box–Behnken Design (BBD) will be implemented to guide 39 high-energy milling experiments, ensuring efficient exploration of the parameter space while minimizing excessive thermal loading and equipment strain. Mechanical activation will be conducted using a laboratory-scale planetary ball mill (MSE PMV 1–8 L), selected for its ability to generate high-energy impact and shear forces through coupled rotational motion. Resulting changes in particle size, surface area, and crystallinity will be experimentally quantified to evaluate the progression of structural disorder.

Complementing the experimental work, a three-dimensional DEM model will be developed in EDEM to simulate particle dynamics, collision behavior, and energy transfer during milling. The model will incorporate realistic mill geometry, ball size distribution (15, 10, and 5 mm zirconia media), and material interaction parameters to replicate experimental conditions. From simulation outputs, stress-mode fractions and power draw will be extracted, enabling calculation of the specific energy input (SEI) and identification of dominant energy transfer mechanisms.

The project will further integrate DEM-derived energy metrics with experimentally measured structural and breakage parameters to develop predictive models linking energy input to amorphization and functional performance.

The expected outcome is a validated stress-mode map and energy–disorder correlation model that provides a mechanistic basis for optimizing milling conditions, enabling efficient and sustainable valorization of underclay for both lithium extraction and supplementary cementitious material applications.

Compensation:

The starting rate for this job is $46.34.

 

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

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