Description
PD in “Design of active mechanical metamaterials &their experimental
validation”
Position
(Post-doctoral) Researcher
Department(s)
Mechanical Engineering
FTE
1,0
Date off
12/06/2022
Reference number
V35.5638
Job description
We are looking for a highly creative and motivated postdoctoral candidate to
join Mechanics of Materials section at Eindhoven University of Technology
(TU/e). The position is in the group of prof. Marc G.D. Geers, and will be
co-supervised by Ron H.J. Peerlings and Ondrej Rokos.
Context. Metamaterials owe their name to unprecedented effective behavior
that typically cannot be found in natural materials, such as being ultra-stiff
& ultra-light, having auxetic behavior, or negative compressibility. Such
behavior typically emerges from metamaterials' micro-structural morphology
rather than from the properties of individual material constituents. Recent
trends in metamaterial design aim at their actuation, using, e.g., discrete
mechanical, pneumatic, thermal, chemical, or electromagnetic actuation.
Metamaterials thus offer a significant design space, which can be exploited in
numerous engineering applications such as artificial muscles, medical robotics
including minimum invasive surgery, bio-implants, soft robotics, or self-
folding systems.
Objective. The objective of this project is twofold: (i) computational
and theoretical modeling, design, and optimization of active mechanical
metamaterials; (ii) manufacturing and experimental validation of active
mechanical metamaterials and devices, building prototypes and unit cells,
including casting, 3D printing, actuation, and miniaturization.
Implementation. The first objective revolves around building and
implementation of multi-physics first-principle microstructural models, their
implementation into homogenization models, i.e., computational exploration of
the available design space. The second objective consists in manufacturing of
metamaterial unit cells with theoretically proven actuation mechanisms, and
measurement of expected effective properties. Manufacturing of entire
metamaterial-based assemblies will follow.
Exposition. During the execution phase of this project, the candidate will
be exposed to, gain understanding, and deepen knowledge in concepts such as
nonlinear coupled multi-physics modeling and simulation, advanced numerical
and optimization tools including topology optimization, multiscale
computational homogenization, finite element modelling, and machine learning.
Experimentally, techniques including manufacturing and 3D printing, microscopy
and full-field measurement techniques such as digital image correlation will
be involved. Throughout the project, a close collaboration with PhD and master
students will be possible and welcome for successful implementation. Although
not required, assistance in teaching is possible as well.
Section Embedding. The research will be embedded within the section
Mechanics of Materials (www. tue.nl/mechmat), whose activities concentrate on
the fundamental understanding of various macroscopic problems in materials
processing and forming, emerging from the physics and the mechanics of the
underlying material microstructure. The main challenge is the accurate
prediction of mechanical properties of materials with complex micro-
structures, with a direct focus on industrial needs. The thorough
understanding and modeling of ‘unit' processes that can be identified in the
complex evolving microstructure is thereby a key issue. The group has a unique
research infrastructure, both from an experimental and computational
perspective. The Multi-Scale Lab allows for quantitative in-situ microscopic
measurements during deformation and mechanical characterization, and it
constitutes the main source for all experimental research on various
mechanical aspects of materials within the range of 10-9–10-2 m. In terms of
computer facilities, several multi-processor-multi-core computer clusters are
available, as well as a broad spectrum of in-house and commercial software.
Job requirements
Highly talented and enthusiastic candidates with excellent analytical
skills are encouraged to apply. A strong background and expertise in
computational and experimental techniques for mechanical engineering are
beneficial. In particular, candidates with degrees from Mechanical
Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or Applied Mathematics are
encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate has excellent scientific skills
with a research-oriented attitude, outstanding verbal and written
communication skills, and is fluent in spoken and written English.
Conditions of employment
A meaningful job at a dynamic and ambitious university with the
possibility to present your work at international conferences.
A full-time employment for 1.5 years.
To support you during your postdoctoral stay and to prepare you for the
rest of your career, you will have free access to a personal development
program for postdoctoral researchers (PROOF program).
A gross monthly salary and benefits in accordance with the Collective
Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities.
Additionally, an annual holiday allowance of 8% of the yearly salary, plus
a year-end allowance of 8.3% of the annual salary.
A broad package of fringe benefits, including an excellent technical
infrastructure, moving expenses, and savings schemes.
Family-friendly initiatives, such as an international spouse program, and
excellent on-campus children day care and sports facilities.
Information and application
More information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more
about the position? Please contact
Ondrej Rokos, o.rokosattue.nl.
For information about terms of employment, click here or contact
HRadviceMEattue.nl.
Visit www. tue.nl/jobs to find out more about working at TU/e.
Application
We invite you to submit a complete application by using the ‘apply now' button
on this page.
The application should include:
A cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualification for
this position.
Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and contact
information of three references.
Your PhD thesis or journal contributions (or links).
Transcript of your PhD degree.
We look forward to your application and will screen your application as soon
as possible. Both national and international applications to this
advertisement are appreciated. The vacancy will remain open until the position
is filled.
We do not respond to applications that are sent to us in a different way.
Please keep in mind you can upload only 5 documents up to 2 MB each. If
necessary, please combine files.
