IRP9—numerical modelling and simulation

Research topic:

Nanoscale modelling of natural fibers

Recruiting organization:

KU Leuven

Composite Materials Group

Application deadline:

March 11th 2018

Starting time:

June 2018 or as mutually agreed (1-2 months changes to the intended starting time are possible)

Contract duration:

36 months

Benefits

You will work at the Department of Materials Engineering of the KU Leuven (www.mtm.kuleuven.be). The Department is responsible for education, research and service to industry and society related to materials science and engineering. Both, the university KU Leuven and the Department of Materials Engineering are world-wide strongly positioned in the important rankings related to research, innovation and education.

 

For more information on research topic (scientific content), contact the supervisor:

Prof. David Seveno

 

 

Scientific content

The main objective of this doctorate study is to design numerical models capable of describing the chemical and physical interactions between the basic ingredients (cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, pectin, and water) of a natural fibre using a discrete element modelling technique (full atomistic and coarse-grained molecular dynamics) and by simulating representative volume elements in the sub-micrometer length scale. The coarse-grained simulations will be parameterized from the atomistic simulations and compared to the results of the experimental works performed by other PhD students in TUT and to the larger scale continuum modelling approach developed in KTH.

Results: This numerical work will be used to shed light on the physico-chemical mechanisms governing the mechanical properties of natural fibres This project will also permit to evaluate the relative importance of different types of bonding (Mechanical interlocking, Interdiffusion, Capillary bridges, Hydrogen bonding, Van der Waals and Coulomb forces) on the mechanical strength between two fibres as a function of temperature and moisture. This main result will be utilized to guide experimentalists in designing paper and packaging with tailor-made strength properties. This model will also constitute the first step for more advanced and general numerical frameworks focusing on the modelling of fibre/polymer matrix interactions and on an unifying theoretical description of fibres from the nanoscale to the macroscale.

The selected PhD students has to be hard working, enthusiastic and intelligent with a strong interest in understanding the fundamentals of materials behavior, as well as its implications for engineering applications. This position offers a PhD of KU Leuven, and international environment, guidance by leading scientists and competitive fellowship, social security, and other benefits.

 

The general requirements for all FibreNet positions apply here, i.e.:

  • you may already be in a PhD program but you cannot be a PhD holder,
  • you must have less than 4 years of research experience, i.e., you should be an early-stage researcher,
  • you must not have resided or carried out your main activity in the country of the hiring organization for more than 12 months during the last 3 years immediately prior to the recruitment (short stays such as holidays and/or compulsory national service are not taken into account), and
  • you should have a high-level knowledge of the English language.

 

How to apply:

Applications must be submitted in English by using the KU Leuven online application form https://icts.kuleuven.be/apps/jobsite/#/vacatures/54517210 (link to the online application tool at the end of the page, ref. BAP-2018-48).

 

Mandatory appendices:

  • a Curriculum Vitae,
  • a letter of motivation (maximum of one page),
  • the contact details of two referees,
  • a copy of B.Sc. and M.Sc. certificates with annexes, and
  • a language certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, Cambridge Language Certificate (Proficiency CPE or Advanced CAE) if available.

 

In case no suitable candidates are found, KU Leuven reserves the right to re-open the call.