Multi-scale multi-physics algorithms for coupled interactions in advanced alloys

Background

The KU Leuven research groups Scientific Computing (Dept. of Computer Science) and Metals and Alloys (Dept. of Materials Engineering) collaborate on numerical multi-scale methods and software for material forming, focusing on modelling of phenomena that are relevant to metal forming industry. This PhD project is part of a 4-year inter-university research project, funded by the Strategic Initiative Materials in Flanders (SIM), in which several other research groups are involved.

Project

The aim of the PhD project is to develop new numerical algorithms and software to tackle complex interactions that occur in modern alloys subjected to abrasion and corrosion. The challenges are:
– The problem is inherently multi-physics, since corrosion and mechanical deformation will be treated concurrently,
– The problem involves multiple length scales: the material is exposed to macroscopic loadings, while its evolution occurs at the microscopic level.
– A realistic 3D micro-scale model of the polycrystalline material has to be constructed and exploited either as an RVE (Representative Volume Element) if strong scale separation permits, or in a concurrent coupling scheme otherwise.
– The multilevel Finite Element approach with second-order homogenization scheme shall be used to handle localizations in the macroscopic domain.

Profile of applicant

You must have an MSc degree and a background in at least one of the following areas: mathematical engineering, computational mechanics, computational materials science, scientific computing, high performance scientific computing, applied mathematics. You should be familiar with Finite Element method. Programming skills will be considered as an advantage.
You should be willing to acquire complementary knowledge from other research areas relevant to the project.

Offer

We offer a full time position as a PhD researcher for 1 year, to be extended to 4 years after positive evaluation. You will be receiving a monthly tax-free grant (1850 EUR net). In addition, health insurance and social security will be covered.

As a PhD researcher you will:
– work in a vibrant multi-disciplinary research team of computer scientists, mathematical engineers, material scientists and mechanical engineers.
– get an excellent opportunity to gain expertise that combines computational engineering, material science and scientific computing
– learn the most recent computational methods in multi-scale modelling
– solve theoretical problems that have direct applications in the off-shore industry
– benefit from outstanding training programmes that KU Leuven offers to its PhD students