IRP7—engineering mechanics

Research topic:

The role of the fibre joint region on the mechanical properties of fibre networks

Recruiting organization:

KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden

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

The candidate will be fully employed at KTH on a graduate student position. For such a position the benefits of the Swedish welfare system are available.

 

Scientific content

This research project contributes to the FibreNet objectives by increased knowledge on the contribution of geometrical and material properties of individual fibre bonds on the overall mechanical response of the fibre network.

The effect of the fibre joint region on the deformation and strength of the network will be thoroughly studied using a two-scale approach. Knowing the role of the bonds is essential for developing energy-efficient packaging materials.

We will approach the problem on the network scale. The majority of the theoretical and numerical models does not resolve the joined region and account for its finite elasticity. This can partly be the reason why the analytical models based upon the assumption of rigid fibre bonds consistently overestimate the elastic properties of the fibre networks. However, the exact reason why the fibres “underperform” is still under debate. We will resolve this problem in this project using a combination of the modelling and novel fibre-level experimental tools.

Results: The project will develop a two-scale micromechanical model and incorporate the data acquired from the novel fibre-level experimental tools. The expected results from the project are as follows:

1. Numerical platform incorporating the results of the micro-mechanical testing on the fibre scale.

2. Established connection between the mechanical properties of individual fibres, fibre joints and the properties of the entire fibre network.

3. Knowledge which assists to developing solutions which target the fibre joints for maintaining the target properties of the packaging materials at a minimum cost.

 

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.

 

Furthermore, the position-related requirements are:

  • A suitable background for this position would be a Master of Science in Engineering Mechanics, preferably with a Solid Mechanics or a Material Mechanics background.
  • In addition to traditional academic merits, a relevant degree project, international experience, and language skills are regarded as advantageous qualifications. Programming skills (Fortran or C) and experimental experience are also of a great advantage for this position.
  • Applicants must be strongly motivated for doctoral studies, possess the ability to work independently and perform critical analysis as well as possessing good levels of cooperative and communicative abilities.
  • To address its varied work, KTH aims to employ a diversity of talents and, thus, welcomes applicants who will add to the variety of the university, especially as concerns its gender structure.

 

How to apply:

Log into KTH's recruitment system in order to apply for this position: https://www.kth.se/en/om/work-at-kth/lediga-jobb/what:job/jobID:189601/where:4/ ("Login and apply" -button at the bottom of the page). You are the main responsible to ensure that your application is complete according to the advertisement. Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

 

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.

 

For more information on:

 

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