PhD student position

Are you interested in pursuing a PhD in structural mechanics and material modeling? If yes, please apply for this PhD student position!

Project description
The aim of the project is to describe, to model and to simulate kinking-failure of long fiber-reinforced composites induced by the fiber-waviness. You will develop our understanding of the mechanisms behind kink-band failures induced by compressive forces. This knowledge is central for bearing capacity simulations of components made of fiber reinforced plastics. Major challenges relate to the fiber-waviness characterization depending on the composite manufacture, and how to properly represent the initiation/propagation of kink-bands in the most computationally efficient way. Inspired by “continuum damage” for the material degradation, micro-mechanically motivated FE-based approaches are to be explored. The simulations will be validated experimentally. Kink-band simulations are also used to optimize prototype composites with a tailored manufacturing process formulated in other work tasks of the network.


Your PhD student project will be part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action Doctoral Network (MSCA DN) “Real-time characterization of anisotropic carbon-based technological fibres, films and composites” (RELIANCE). The multidisciplinary network spans a wide area of competence, from expertise in imaging and machine learning tools to excellence in material mechanics. It is concerned with R&D and training in X-ray imaging and scattering tools together with its applications in materials and information science.

The network offers in total 14 PhD positions. You can find information on all 14 PhD positions here (14 PhD positions in real-time characterization for materials engineering | EURAXESS (europa.eu). Via the extensive network training provided by RELIANCE, you will participate in summer schools, workshops, and scientific meetings together with top scientists and your 13 fellow PhD students of the RELIANCE network. You will carry out one secondment at Volvo Cars to learn about composite automotive structures, their manufacturing methods, and the associated technology. The other secondment will be made at University of Manchester concerning real-time high frame rate synchrotron X-ray imaging of composites loaded in compression.

The position, placed at the Division of Material and Computational Mechanics, is meritorious for future research duties in academia as well as in industry and the public sector. As part of your engagement at the division you will be expected to teach (up to 20 % of the time). This experience will further prepare you for future academic jobs, but also for communication tasks in industry. The work will be carried out in close collaboration with Prof. Ragnar Larsson at the Division of Material and Computational Mechanics, Chalmers University of Technology and Prof. Renaud Gutkin, Volvo Cars, and Prof. Philip Withers, University of Manchester, Department of Materials.

Major responsibilities
As a PhD student, you are central to the project developments, and responsible for the numerical implementation and validation of all tools developed in the project. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing. Your research activities will contribute to enhanced knowledge in the scientific field, in particular by presenting your results in scientific journals and at international conferences.


Qualifications
We expect that you are highly motivated and self-propelled, with a distinct interest in the mechanics of composite materials and advanced numerical tools. Formally, you have a Master's degree in Solid and/or Structural Mechanics, Engineering Physics, Engineering Mathematics or similar, with documented high competence in computational methods and a strong basic knowledge in composite mechanics. Furthermore, good capabilities in numerical analysis and programming are a must.

Since communication of knowledge results towards academic and industrial partners is a central part of the work, communicative skills in English (oral as well as in writing) are vital. Furthermore, it will also be expected that you can take on responsibilities within the project, have the ability to take own initiatives and, when needed, work independently. At the same time, being a successful researcher also involves working with others as well as disseminating the results within existing and new networks, both within academia but also to industry and society. Therefore, networking skills, teamwork skills and quality assurance are important.

Knowledge of the Swedish language is desirable but not a requirement. Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years. The gross salary is the sum of Living Allowance EUR 4,264, the Mobility Allowance EUR 600, and the Family Allowance EUR 660 (if applicable) as specified by the MSCA DN grant. The salary is subject to taxation and social contributions. Chalmers guarantees the starting salary of the position is minimum 31,600 SEK (incl. tax). According to the requirements set by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action Doctoral Network programme, eligible candidates must be a doctoral candidate, i.e. not already in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment. The candidate must also not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Sweden for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the city of Gothenburg at the west coast of Sweden.
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
To apply, please go to: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/Working-at-Chalmers/Vacancies/Pages/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=11400


Application deadline: 12 March, 2023