Early-Stage Researcher
(PhD student position)

Objectives

Ultra-thin ply composite laminates are the product of a novel manufacturing technology that produces laminates with higher longitudinal compressive and in situ strengths, higher resistance to delamination events and higher laminate tensile and compressive strengths. However, failure mechanisms in this novel material-type are not completely understood up to now, neither are the most appropriate analysis methods to represent these mechanisms.

For instance, the choice of the constituent materials (reinforcing fibres and matrix) and ply size effects become particularly important due to ply thinness, which can be as low as 0.015 mm (i.e. 2-3 fibre diameters). On the other hand, macro-mechanical homogenization is much easier to achieve in ultra-thin ply laminates due to a finer ply dispersion; hence, their mechanical behaviour is suitably represented by a homogenized quasi-brittle material model at the coupon and subcomponent levels.

The aim of this project is to understand the failure mechanisms and fully exploit the load bearing capacities of ultra-thin ply laminates by means of the development of novel numerical techniques integrating FFM and PF approach of fracture in the most efficient way.

These modeling strategies will be set up at different scales of analysis. Micro-mechanical analysis will provide more comprehensive understanding with regard to the potential sources of damage (matrix breakage, fibre-matrix decohesion, delamination, among others), as well as the prospective propagation paths, and allow the study of constituent and ply size effects.

Additionally, macro-mechanical modeling strategies will be employed to predict the macroscopic response of ultra-thin ply coupons and structures. Special attention will be devoted to investigating geometrical effects and loading states in specimens with stress concentrations and holes, which are of relevant practical importance in the aeronautical and aerospace industries

Benefits

A full-time fixed-term contract is offered. Marie Curie ITNs provide competitive financial support to the ESR including: a competitive monthly living and mobility allowance, coverage of the expenses related to the participation of the ESR in research and training activities (contribution to research-related costs, meetings, conference attendance, training actions, etc.). The recruited researchers will have a regular contract with the same rights and obligations as any other staff member of the institution.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must at the time of recruitment:

1. Be in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers. The four years start to count from the date when a researcher obtained the degree (e.g. Master’s degree) which would formally entitle him/her to embark on a doctorate.
2. Candidates could be of any nationality but have not resided in the host country for more than 12 months in the last 3 years.
3. Have not been awarded a doctoral degree.

Selection process

Applicants are evaluated by a selection committee on the basis of past academic performance (grades) and background, scientific relevance and aptitude to research, and any other additional pertinent data submitted in the application (such as scientific publications, if any).

The candidates that pass the initial assessment of the applications will be invited for an interview with the selection committee, either in person at the campus, or via standard internet videoconference. Equal opportunities are ensured to all candidates throughout the evaluation process.

EURAXESS offer ID: 503041