Postdoc position - nonlinear periodic structures/metamaterials

We have an exciting, two-year postdoctoral position in the general area of nonlinear acoustic metatmaterials.  We are seeking a motivated, soon to graduate PhD student, or a transitioning postdoc.  Candidates must be presently in the US.  This is a two-year NSF-funded postdoc opportunity at
Georgia Tech in the general area of nonlinear periodic structures and metamaterials. 
Details about the research are below.  An ideal candidate will have
expertise in acoustics of periodic structures/materials.  Some background
in nonlinear analysis would be desirable, but not necessary.  We will be
considering applications through the end of April, 2014.

Direct all inquiries here:

Michael Leamy, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Associate Editor, Journal of Vibration & Acoustics

School of Mechanical Engineering

Georgia Institute of Technology

771 Ferst Drive, N.W.

Atlanta, GA  30332-0405

404-385-2828

404-894-8496 (Fax)

michael.leamy@me.gatech.edu

www.me.gatech.edu/nlmechanics

Nonlinear and Adaptive Acoustic Metamaterials for Novel Wave-Based Devices (NSF grant
1332862)

The
research objective of this award is to investigate nonlinear acoustic
metamaterials with adaptive properties for the design of next-generation
wave-based devices. The necessary nonlinear interactions and adaptivity will be
derived from two primary material systems: one based on controllable
post-buckled lattices, and the other based on piezoelectric tunable
metamaterials. The research will also exploit large deformations resulting from
structural instabilities as an effective way to adapt the topology and the
periodicity of a structured material. Stiffening and softening effects,
amplitude-dependent dispersion, and stability will be studied in terms of their
effect on the wave guiding characteristics. Fundamental understanding of
nonlinear and adaptive acoustic metamaterials, and the exploration of their
wave propagation behavior, will support the conception, fabrication, and
experimental testing of innovative wave-based devices, to include tunable
filters, waveguides, acoustic diodes, noise isolators, and directed-energy
systems. If successful, the results of this research will significantly advance
knowledge and understanding in the general area of tunable and adaptive
nonlinear metamaterials. This understanding will be important for the
development of innovative devices for use in communication systems (mobile
phones, GPS units, etc.), noise isolation, energy redirection, and acoustic
filters, logic ports and switches.