Dr. Jilt Sietsma

Biography

Metals have determined our technological society for centuries and will continue to do so in the future, provided their production and applications can be transformed towards sustainability, meaning that metals can undergo a material transition. Research on metallic microstructures is crucial in this regard. The objective of this research is to develop insights into the behavior of metals at the microstructural level, focusing on steel, when subjected to conditions of elevated temperatures, mechanical loads, high-energy radiation, and combinations thereof. These conditions occur both in the manufacturing phase and the usage phase of material life cycles. The research approach combines experiments with physics-based modeling across various length scales. Relevant microstructural processes include phase transformation, precipitation, recrystallization, texture formation, dislocation structure evolution, radiation damage, mechanical damage, and others, developing fundamental knowledge to optimize industrial processes and sustainability. Collaboration with industrial partners is extensive due to the broad societal applications of metals, with prominent examples in transportation (automotive, rail, maritime), energy (wind, nuclear), steel production, and high-tech constructions. Major industrial partners include Tata Steel, SKF, Siemens Gamesa, ProRail, NRG, and VDL Weweler. Jilt Sietsma has been associated with the Department of Materials Science Engineering since 1987 and has been a professor since 2009. He will retire in April 2023.

Research Interests