Doctoral student in Solid Mechanics with focus on modeling of microstructure mechanics in metal foams - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

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 new research project which is funded by a Röntgen-Ångström Cluster grant through the Swedish Science Council (VR). The project involves collaboration with partners at Ulm university in Germany and at Malmö university in Sweden. The partners in Ulm and Malmö will focus on experimental analysis of metal foams and the PhD student in Lund will focus on numerical modeling of microstructure mechanics in metal foams. The simulation part of the project work will be founded on numerical modeling and simulation based on finite element, finite difference or spectral methods, for example by crystal plasticity and phase field crystal modeling. To succeed in the project, the doctoral student will have to develop and implement her/his own numerical simulation tools. Collaboration with project partners and fellow PhD students in Ulm and Malmö will be part of the project as well as participation in the experimental tasks, both at local laboratories and at large-scale synchrotron facilities.

Admission requirements

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

• 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 the applicant 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 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 continuum mechanics and plasticity theory.
• Very good proficiency in the finite element method (FEM), not just limited to use of commercial FEM software.
• Good knowledge in solid mechanics, materials engineering and physics.
• 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. These may be demonstrated through documents appended to the application and at a possible interview. 
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems. The assessment could be made based on the student’s degree project and a discussion of this at a possible interview.  
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 and numerical methods, as well as in materials engineering related to metallic materials.
• Proficiency in Linux-based computer systems.
• Proficiency in programming, using Fortran, Matlab and Python.
• Experience of implementing and running phase field and phase field crystal simulations.
• Experience of crystal plasticity modeling.
• Experience of grain structure modeling in metallic materials at the microscale.
• Experience of experimental work and imaging using synchrotron radiation, tomography and X-ray diffraction methods.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, as well as to how the applicant, through hers 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.