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Home > Job vacancies Last updated: 20 October 2023
NEW : 4 PhD and postdoc vacancies for Fall 2023
Clearly mention in all your communication the number of the vacancy you are applying for !
Where ?
All vacancies are available in the
"Mechanics of Materials and Structures" research group (UGent-MMS) at Ghent University.
The research group UGent-MMS counts 3 professors and about 30 researchers.
More information can be found in the
slideshow of the research group.
The offices and laboratories of this group are situated in the
south of Ghent (Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 46,
9052 Zwijnaarde).
Duration ?
All vacancies are full-time job positions. For the duration, see below.
Job description ?
We are seeking a dedicated PhD candidate on advanced material modelling in the textile domain.
In this project you will dive deep into a cutting-edge research area, exploring the
complexities of advanced textile material modelling. You will collaborate closely with
an research team comprising 2 other PhD students and a postdoctoral researcher.
The research project focusses on the development of a robust multi-scale textile modelling
framework, utilizing finite element analysis combined with virtual fibre modelling.
Simulations encompass both the manufacturing side (e.g. weaving, stitching, bobbin unwinding,
etc.) as well as the performance side (e.g. strength prediction of specialized technical
fabric connections). Such simulations are very challenging due to the use of diverse
materials (natural and synthetic fibers, yarns and fabrics) combined with high anisotropy
and non-linearity. Furthermore, the dynamics of high-speed manufacturing processes need
to be included in the modelling framework, ensuring its applicability to real-world processes.
This is still a very new research topic and many scientific questions remain unanswered.
Requirements
We are seeking a dedicated postdoc on advanced material modelling in the textile domain.
In this project you will dive deep into a cutting-edge research area, exploring the
complexities of advanced textile material modelling. You will be part of a team of 4
researchers (3 PhDs and one postdoc) who will all work on this large research project.
The postdoctoral researcher is also expected to support the 3 PhD students and act as a
mentor and tutor for them.
The research project focusses on the development of a robust multi-scale textile
modelling framework, utilizing finite element analysis combined with virtual fibre
modelling. Simulations encompass both the manufacturing side (e.g. weaving, stitching,
bobbin unwinding, etc.) as well as the performance side (e.g. strength prediction of
specialized technical fabric connections). Such simulations are very challenging due
to the use of diverse materials (natural and synthetic fibers, yarns and fabrics)
combined with high anisotropy and non-linearity. Furthermore, the dynamics of
high-speed manufacturing processes need to be included in the modelling framework,
ensuring its applicability to real-world processes. This is still a very new research
topic and many scientific questions remain unanswered.
Requirements
We are looking for a PhD student for a research project on microscale mechanical
characterization of fiber reinforced polymer composites using in-situ microscopic
techniques. Much more fundamental insights and measurements at the micro-scale are
necessary to enable fully predictive multi-scale modelling and faster adaptation of
composites. Therefore, we have developed advanced micromechanical test methods for
fibre reinforced polymer composites based on in-situ optical and electron microscopy
during loading. This includes micro-scale Digital Image Correlation (DIC) which gives
full-field strain information at the sub-micron scale, force measurement and
correlation of the damage mechanisms at micro- and macro-scale. This also generates
accurate input data for multi-scale models for composites. This PhD will further
develop and enhance these micromechanical tests and optimize the microscopic
measurement techniques for different types of composites.
Further micromechanical tests will be done to characterize the fibre/matrix interface
in composites. Fibre debonding will be monitored in real-time and different loading
conditions to the interface will be applied.
This PhD requires an experimentalist to do the micromechanical characterization
of the composites. Experience with experimental testing of materials and microscopy
is required. Knowledge of composites and/or instrumentation techniques such as Digital
Image Correlation (DIC) is an advantage.
Ballistic protection concerns apparel, vests, armors, helmets and structural reinforcement
for vehicles as well. Woven, knitted or nonwoven fabrics, laminates, and composites are
an interesting option for ballistic protection because of their light weight compared to
metallic materials and the shear endless possible combinations based on a variation of
fiber nature, fiber type, fiber density, yarn composition, yarn density, manufacturing
techniques (weaving, knitting, Unidirectional lay-up, 2D or 3D), number of layers,
combination of different types of layers and the use of coatings and matrix resins.
In order to optimally design armored protection to resist blast and fragmentation damage,
realistic experimental testing and precise modelling and simulation tools are required.
Therefore, the proposed project aims at developping optimised Explosion-proof textile-based
armor to be used in both personal and vehicle protection using a novel experimental
technique for combined fragment impact and blast loading, which is closer to the actual
threat than the existing ballistic impact test standards. Once reliable test data have
been gathered, a finite element based model will be developed to predict the blast and
fragment protection by the textile-based armor. The test data will be used as input for
the simulations, as well as for validation of the predictions.
The project is a collaboration between Sioen, a leading textile manufacturer in Belgium,
the Royal Military Academy and Ghent University. The PhD candidate will work at the
Royal Military Academy and get support from Sioen and Ghent University. The funding
foresees in a 4-year PhD fellowship.
Only candidates with a Master degree should apply. The candidate should have a strong
interest in experimental and computational mechanics of materials, and should be
enthusiastic to work in a collaborative project between industry, defense and academia.
Contact person ?
The responsible person at Ghent University is Prof. Wim VAN PAEPEGEM.
He has 20 years of experience in mechanics of composites and finite element simulations.
More information on the achievements of the research group can be found
on http://www.composites.ugent.be/.
Who do we look for ?
What do we offer ?
How to apply ?
Additional information ?
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