PhD position: modeling fracture of meta-materials

The Chair of Computational Mechanics of Building Materials in the Institute for Building Materials at ETH Zurich has an opening for a PhD student in modeling fracture of meta-materials. The position is available with starting date 1. April 2023 or soon thereafter.

The Chair of Computational Mechanics of Building Materials conducts research at the interface between mechanics, materials and scientific computing. Research activities are focused on modelling the link between micro- to mesoscale properties of engineering and biological materials and their macroscale mechanical performance. The centre of our interests is on dynamic fracture, earthquake source mechanics, topologically interlocked materials, early-age structural build-up of cement, corrosion-induced cracking in concrete, and granular material mechanics. The overall objective is a fundamental understanding of the multi-scale and multi-physical mechanics of materials and the development of predictive numerical tools for the mechanical failure of materials and structures.

This position is part of a project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation, which will support a total of four researchers, and focuses on the development of interfaces with unconventional mechanical properties. This PhD position will focus on the fracture properties of meta-materials. The objective is to develop numerical models of architected materials with interfaces and to investigate their mechanical properties. Different approaches for generating interfaces will be explored and evaluated. The numerical results will then be compared to experimental data collected by other team members and used to study the fundamental mechanisms governing the failure of meta-materials.

• You hold an MSc degree in mechanics, material science, physics or a related discipline and have a background in solid mechanics, applied mathematics, computational science, material science 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.

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.