1 PhD Position on Computational Mechanics of Bioinspired Cutting and Piercing of Soft Materials @ University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada

1 PhD position is open for a research project related to bioinspired mechanics of cutting and piercing of soft homogeneous and heterogeneous (composite) materials. The position is under the supervision of Prof. Mattia Bacca in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at UBC, Vancouver – Canada. It is funded by the Human Frontiers in Science Program, in collaboration with the Bioengineering Department at Imperial College London and the Department of Ecology at the University of California.

The project involves theoretical modeling and numerical simulation of the mechanism of cutting and piecing of soft biological materials done by natural blades and needles. Specifically, the project scope is to define the morphological evolution of insect herbivores, based on scaling laws defining the critical force needed to cut a leaf and the muscle activation required to perform such task. - The lessons learned from nature will then serve as proof of concept for the development of new technology related to surgery, manufacturing, and defense technology. - The mathematical and computational models will be based on fracture mechanics at large deformation, damage mechanics, and plasticity. The theoretical prediction will be compared against experiments done at Imperial College and UC to seek validation.

We are seeking individuals with strong analytical and computational skills in theoretical continuum mechanics and continuum physics. Previous experience in Finite Elements, Fracture Mechanics, and Cutting simulations is a plus.

IMPORTANT: The application deadline for starting a Ph.D. on January 1st, 2021 is September 1st, 2020.

If you are available to start your Ph.D. in September 2021, then the application deadline will be in March 2021.

Interested candidates should send an email to Prof. Bacca (mbacca@mech.ubc.ca); Indicate “iMechanica Ph.D. position on Cutting” in the object of the email; Attach a detailed CV in .pdf; Attach the transcripts of the bachelor and master degrees; Indicate 3 academic references and report a brief (maximum 5 lines) statement of interest either in the body of the email or as a separate attachment; Please also indicate the date in which you will be able to start your PhD (either Jan 1st or Sept 1st).