Ph.D. position in Computational Mechanics to analyze the formation and growth of micro-cracks in rubber due to fatigue loading
SnT is a leading international research and innovation centre in secure, reliable and trustworthy ICT systems and services. We play an instrumental role in Luxembourg by fueling innovation through research partnerships with industry, boosting R&D investments leading to economic growth, and attracting highly qualified talent.
We’re looking for people driven by excellence, excited about innovation, and looking to make a difference. If this sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place!
Your Role
The successful candidate will jointhe computational mechanics group of Prof. Stéphane Bordas (www.legato‐team.eu, www.uni.lu) and will work on a project that focuses on phase-field damage modeling, rubbery polymers, and experimental validation. All work is carried out in close cooperation with the industrial partner SISTO Armaturen S.A. (www.sisto-aseptic.com, www.ksb.com).
The project aims to analyze the formation and growth of micro-cracks in rubber due to fatigue loading. Recently published articles on fatigue failure of rubber show that micro-cracks nucleate at initially present natural flaws. The initial distribution of flaws and the micro-crack growth is investigated with CT-scans and interrupted fatigue tests. These results are used to develop a fatigue phase-field damage model for this scale. Key points are:
- Measure the initial flaw size with CT-scans
- Study the mirco-crack growth with interrupted fatigue tests with CT-scans
- Fatigue tests with samples with artificially introduced flaws
- Develop a fatigue phase-field damage model for micro-scale simulations
- Parameter calibration and validation of the numerical model with experimental data
- Quantify the effect of defect size and distribution
Your Profile
Aspiring researchers interested in a Ph.D. topic with strong industrial relevance are encouraged to apply. Only those who hold an MSc degree or will hold one in the near future will be considered. We are specifically looking for those who hold an MSc degree in Engineering. A background in and affinity with some of the following fields is required:
- Material/constitutive modeling and structural mechanics
- Finite element analysis
- Experimental work
- Scientific computing (numerical integration, optimization, etc.)
- Some form of programming (MATLAB, Python, C++, FORTRAN, etc.)
Here’s what awaits you at SnT
- A stimulating learning environment. Here post-docs and professors outnumber PhD students. That translates into access and close collaborations with some of the brightest ICT researchers, giving you solid guidance
- Exciting infrastructures and unique labs. At SnT’s two campuses, our researchers can take a walk on the moon at the LunaLab, build a nanosatellite, or help make autonomous vehicles even better
- The right place for IMPACT. SnT researchers engage in demand-driven projects. Through our Partnership Programme, we work on projects with more than 45 industry partners
- Multiple funding sources for your ideas. The University supports researchers to acquire funding from national, European and private sources
- Competitive salary package. The University offers a 12 month-salary package, over six weeks of paid time off, health insurance and subsidised living and eating
- Be part of a multicultural family. At SnT we have more than 60 nationalities. Throughout the year, we organise team-building events, networking activities and more
But wait, there’s more!
- Complete picture of the perks we offer
- Discover our Partnership Programme
- Download the brochure: Why choose SnT for your PhD?
Students can take advantage of several opportunities for growth and career development, from free language classes to career resources and extracurricular activities.
In Short
- Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month (extendable up to 48 months if required)
- Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
- Location: Belval (the candidate will also spend a significant amount of time in the partner company)
- Funds to attend conferences and summer schools are available
- Employee and student status
- Job Reference: UOL04974
The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 38.028,96 (full time)
Further Information
Applications should be submitted online and include:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Cover letter
All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.
Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.
The University of Luxembourg embraces inclusion and diversity as key values. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff.
About the University of Luxembourg
University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character. The University was founded in 2003 and counts more than 6,700 students and more than 2,000 employees from around the world. The University’s faculties and interdisciplinary centres focus on research in the areas of Computer Science and ICT Security, Materials Science, European and International Law, Finance and Financial Innovation, Education, Contemporary and Digital History. In addition, the University focuses on cross-disciplinary research in the areas of Data Modelling and Simulation as well as Health and System Biomedicine. Times Higher Education ranks the University of Luxembourg #3 worldwide for its “international outlook,” #20 in the Young University Ranking 2021 and among the top 250 universities worldwide.