Doctoral student in Solid Mechanics with focus on structural optimization - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Doctoral student in Solid Mechanics with focus on structural optimization

Solid Mechanics

The field of solid mechanics relates to methods and principles aimed at describing deformations, stresses and instability phenomena in deformable bodies.

Solid mechanics is a core discipline in mechanical engineering and it is of fundamental importance also to related disciplines. The types of questions being dealt with carry high relevance for industrial applications.

The research in solid mechanics at LTH focuses on constitutive mechanics, numerical methods, microstructure mechanics, structural optimization, fracture mechanics, stability analysis and experimental methods.

Work duties

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies, which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties will also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

The position as doctoral student is part of a research project which aims at developing numerical methods and software for optimization at micro and macroscale. One objective of the project is to design materials with exceptional properties, i.e. metamaterials. One application of metamaterials is NPR (negative Poisson’s ratio) materials which has the ability to contract when compressed. The project also involves multiphysics, which implies that for instance temperature or an applied electrical field can be used as a trigger for deformation or motion of a structure. A key ingredient in the project is that the developed tool should be applicable to non-linear materials.

Admission requirements

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programs if she or he:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Solid Mechanics if she or he has:

• at least 90 credits in the field, including at least 45 second-cycle credits and a second-cycle degree project of 30 credits in the field, or
• a MSc in civil engineering, engineering physics, engineering mathematics or mechanical engineering.

Additional requirements

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Very good proficiency in advanced constitutive modeling, such as hyperelasticity.
• Very good proficiency in the finite element method (FEM), not just limited to use of commercial FEM software.
• Very good knowledge in solid mechanics, structural optimization and physics.
• Very good proficiency in computer programming.

 Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily based on academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Other assessment criteria

• Applicants should have proficiency and sincere interest in mathematical modeling, numerical algorithms and numerical implementations.
• Proficiency in Linux-based computer systems and in programming, using C, Fortran, Julia, Java, Matlab and Python.
• Good oral and written proficiency in Swedish.
• Experience of gradient based structural optimization using non-trivial constraints, such as e.g. stress constraints.
• Experience of development of large scale computer systems.
• Experience of MPI programming

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, as well as to how the applicant, through her or his experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle program.

Terms of employment

Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, a copy of your Master’s thesis or equivalent and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, letters of recommendation etc.). In addition, a minimum of two references with full contact information must be provided.