We are offering a three-year PhD position with scholarship in computational modeling of material behavior across length scales, within the SunRise FIS 2023 Project.
The doctoral research will focus on the development and validation of numerical models to simulate the mechanical performance, failure and crack propagation mechanisms, and residual stress effects in 3D-printed nano- and micro-structured materials and coatings.
The research will address problems in contact mechanics, fracture mechanics, and stress distribution in heterogeneous nano-architected materials. The PhD candidate will be trained in finite element modeling and will progressively develop expertise in advanced techniques such as cohesive-zone and phase-field modeling, working in close interaction with the experimental activities of the project, which will provide data for model calibration and validation.
Under the supervision of the research team, the candidate will contribute to the development of computational tools to predict load-bearing capacity, failure modes, and interface reliability in coated 3D-printed structures, while developing an independent research profile in computational and experimental materials mechanics.
- Develop and validate numerical models for the mechanical behavior of 3D-printed nano- and micro-structured materials and coatings.
- Study failure mechanisms, crack propagation, contact mechanics, stress distribution, and residual stress effects in heterogeneous nano-architected systems.
- Use finite element modeling tools and progressively develop expertise in cohesive-zone and phase-field modeling approaches.
- Interact with experimental activities in the project to support calibration and validation of computational models.
- Contribute to computational tools for predicting load-bearing capacity, failure modes, and interface reliability in coated 3D structures.
- Analyse and interpret numerical and experimental datasets within an interdisciplinary research environment.
- Master's degree, or equivalent qualification, in Materials Science/Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering in relevant branches, Physics, Computational Engineering, or related fields.
- Solid background in mechanics of materials, continuum mechanics, computational mechanics, materials science, or related disciplines.
- Basic or intermediate experience with finite element modeling, preferably using Abaqus, Ansys, COMSOL, or similar software.
- Basic programming skills in Python, MATLAB, or similar languages for data analysis, model setup, or post-processing.
- Motivation to work on computational modeling of mechanical behavior, fracture, residual stresses, coatings, additive manufacturing, or architected materials.
- Ability to work in an interdisciplinary research environment involving modeling and experimental validation.
- Good written and oral communication skills in English.
- Familiarity with cohesive-zone modeling or phase-field modeling for fracture.
- Previous exposure to contact mechanics simulations or to the modeling of interfacial effects.
- Interest in developing expertise in residual stress modeling and eigenstrain-based approaches.
- Basic experience with microstructure-based modeling or multiphysics simulations, such as coupling of mechanical and thermal effects.
- Familiarity with the calibration of numerical models using experimental data, for example from nanoindentation or microscopy.
- Motivation to learn machine learning methods for accelerating simulations and computational workflows.
This is a full-time, three-year PhD position funded by a scholarship within the SunRise FIS 2023 Project.
The candidate will receive structured training in advanced numerical modeling on frontier topics including architected materials, coatings, additive manufacturing, fracture, and residual stresses. The position offers interdisciplinary supervision, access to advanced computational and experimental facilities, and the opportunity to develop a combined computational/experimental profile relevant to both academic and high-tech industrial careers.
