International PhD Positions in Modelling and Multiscale Design of Active Mechanical Metamater

We are looking for a highly creative and motivated PhD 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 theoretical and computational multiscale design of active mechanical metamaterials for engineering applications. Implementation. To achieve this goal, the project will cover several aspects of the design, multi-scale modeling, and testing of active materials. (i) Development of finite element modeling tools to estimate resulting effective properties based on first-principle models. (ii) Optimized microstructures and devices will be further sought for, exploring available design space by inverting structure-property maps. Topology optimization as well as machine learning techniques will be considered. (iii) Applications including shape morphing and self-folding, or switchable stiffness will be targeted, making use of the tools and concepts developed in previous steps. Exposition. During this project, the candidate will have opportunity to deepen knowledge and gain understanding in concepts such as nonlinear coupled multi-physics modeling (e.g., electro-magneto-mechanical), advanced numerical and optimization tools including topology and shape optimization, multiscale computational homogenization, finite element modelling, and machine learning. Collaboration with bachelor and master students is possible and welcome.