PhD Vacancy

A postdoctoral and a PhD position are available in the “Mechanics of Materials and Structures” research group at Ghent University. The postdoc position is a full-time postdoctoral fellowship for 3 years, while the PhD is a full-time job position for 4 years.

Job description

Postdoc: Engineered Self-HEaling materials

The postdoc vacancy is for the research project “Engineered Self-HEaling materials”. This project is in collaboration with different departments at Ghent University and different departments of the Free University of Brussels (VUB).

This research program consists of two large projects: (i) SElf-healing CEmentitious and MINeral building materials (SECEMIN) and (ii) SElf-healing thermoset POlymers and COMposites (SEPOCOM).

The self-healing concept that is used in this study, is the one of encapsulation. Self-healing agents (typically polyurethanes and epoxy systems) are encapsulated in micro-capsules that are dispersed in the bulk material. When a crack grows in the bulk material and encounters a capsule, it breaks the capsule and the self-healing agent is released into the crack. The self-healing agent then cures in combination with moisture in the crack, with oxygen or with a second component in another capsule next to it.

The research group has one full-time researcher contributing half-time to both projects. The task of the researcher is to develop simulation methods for crack growth in cementitious and polymer materials, study the interaction of the crack with inclusions (capsules with self-healing agent) and simulate the release of healing agent from the capsules. Simulations have already been carried out in the commercial finite element code Abaqus, using the eXtended Finite Element Method (XFEM) to simulate crack growth.

This postdoctoral research is a purely numerical study, and the experimental input will be provided by other partners in the project. So a strong background in numerical modelling, fracture mechanics and computational mechanics is really necessary. As it is the objective to do the simulations in the commercial finite element code ABAQUS, experience with ABAQUS (VCCT, XFEM, cohesive elements,…) and Python scripting is certainly an advantage.

PhD: Integrated analysis and experimental verification of Kinematic Form Active Structures (KFAS) for architectural applications

The second PhD vacancy is for the research project “Integrated analysis and experimental verification of Kinematic Form Active Structures (KFAS) for architectural applications”. This project is in collaboration with the Architectural Department and the Department of Mechanics of Materials and Constructions at the Free University of Brussels (VUB).

The topic of this project are foldable tent structures, or more correctly Kinematic Form Active Structures (KFAS). KFAS are reconfigurable lightweight structures usually covered with technical textiles. When implemented as a building skin these systems can control day lighting, shading, ventilation and so on and hence contribute to sustainable building.

This PhD thesis is a purely numerical study, and the experimental input will be provided by the Free University of Brussels. So a strong background in numerical modelling and computational mechanics is really necessary. As it is the objective to implement the strategies in the commercial finite element code ABAQUS, experience with ABAQUS and Python scripting is certainly an advantage.

Qualifications

• applicants should interested in research and have the intention to obtain a PhD degree,
• have a Master Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Materials Science, or similar,
• familiar with mechanics of materials, experimental testing methods and computational techniques. Knowledge of composite materials, finite element software (e.g. ABAQUS, SAMCEF, ANSYS,…), programming languages (Fortran, C++) or Unix/Linux environment is an advantage,
• mastering the Dutch language is not a prerequisite, but a good knowledge of English writing and speaking is absolutely required.

Application

Interested applicants should send detailed Curriculum Vitae (in Dutch or English) by post or e-mail to:

Prof. Wim Van Paepegem
Ghent University
Mechanics of Materials and Structures
Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 903
9052 Zwijnaarde
Belgium
Tel.: +32-(0)9-331.04.32
Fax: +32-(0)9-331.04.65
E-mail: Wim.VanPaepegem@UGent.be

The Curriculum Vitae should containing:

• personal details (name, address, date of birth, nationality,…);
• education, subject of master thesis and degrees;
• work experience (previous jobs);
• additional skills (finite element software, programming languages, communication skills, …);
• mastered languages (Dutch, English, French);
• references (previous projects in the domain, published papers,…).

Further information

Detailed information about the positions is available at http://www.composites.ugent.be/PhD_job_vacancies_PhD_job_positions_composites.html.

For any additional information or a personal appointment, please contact Prof. Wim Van Paepegem.