PhD position: modeling fracture in soft materials

The  Computational Mechanics of Building Materials in the Institute for Building Materials at ETH Zurich has an opening for a PhD student in modeling fracture in soft materials.

The  Computational Mechanics of Building Materials (CMBM) aims to understand and predict mechanical failure in materials and structures. By combining numerical modeling tools with tailored laboratory experiments and theoretical models, we create a holistic perspective on mechanical failure, bridging the gap between material behavior at the small scale and principles governing catastrophic failure at the system level. CMBM is a highly interdisciplinary and international research team. The topics of current research projects at CMBM include uncovering the mechanisms of earthquake nucleation and arrest, building structures with topologically interlocked materials, revealing the processes governing the structural build-up of cement in additive manufacturing, determining the nano- and micro-scale processes that control cracking of concrete due to corrosion, uncovering the fundamental laws governing granular materials, and revealing the damage and fracture mechanisms in soft materials.

This position is part of a collaborative project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation, which supports multiple researchers, at ETH Zurich and at partner universities, and focuses on the development of fundamental knowledge about fracture in soft and slender bodies.

Soft materials such as hydrogels and elastomers are increasingly used in engineering applications, from biomedical devices to soft robotics. These materials are often employed in slender configurations that offer flexibility and adaptability but also introduce complex fracture behaviors. In this project, we aim to develop a fundamental understanding of fracture in soft and slender bodies. By investigating how dissipation, geometric nonlinearities, and slenderness interact across multiple length scales, we seek to uncover the mechanisms that govern crack initiation and growth. Through a combination of theory, simulations, and experiments, we aim to build predictive models of fracture and provide a foundation for designing soft materials with enhanced reliability and fracture resistance.

The successful candidate will develop numerical and theoretical models to investigate fracture in soft and slender bodies. She/he will explore how nonlinear elasticity, dissipation, and slender geometry interact to influence crack initiation and growth. Using in-house codes and high-performance computing resources, the candidate will simulate fracture processes and analyze the dissipative mechanisms to uncover the mechanisms driving failure. She/he will contribute to the development of predictive models that capture the complex interplay of length scales in soft materials. The candidate will work in close collaboration with experimental researchers within the project, providing modeling insights and helping to interpret experimental observations.

You hold an MSc degree in mechanics, physics, (civil, mechanical, aerospace, or bio-) engineering, material science, or a related discipline and have a background in solid mechanics, applied physics and mathematics, computational sciences, or a related field. Additionally, you have prior programming experience and are fluent in English (oral and written). You show enthusiasm for conducting original research in an interdisciplinary and international team, and you strive for scientific excellence. You enjoy working in a team, possess the necessary social skills and communication abilities, and contribute proactively to a positive group atmosphere.

• Your career with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society.
• We are actively committed to a sustainable and climate-neutral university.
• You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare and attractive pension benefits.

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits.