This paper aims to maximize optical force or torque on arbitrary micro- and nanoscale objects using numerically optimized structured illumination. By developing a numerical framework for computer-automated design of 3d vector-field illumination, we demonstrate a 20-fold enhancement in optical torque per intensity over circularly polarized plane wave on a model plasmonic particle. The nonconvex optimization is efficiently performed by combining a compact cylindrical Bessel basis representation with a fast boundary element method and a standard derivative-free, local optimization algorithm.

We run regular one-day training courses that include introductory, advanced and bespoke training days in the UK on using Simpleware software.

Join a session to learn about how to get the most out of Simpleware when generating models from 3D image data (MRI, CT. micro-CT...) suitable for FEA, CFD, CAD and 3D Printing applications.

Fundamentals of Simpleware is ideal for new and existing users wanting to gain a working knowledge of the software, and how to use it within specific projects. 

Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad is organising the 2017 International Conference on Composite Materials and Structures.

Conference webpage: http://www.iccms2017hyd.com

Dates of conference: 27-29 December

Abstract submission is now open. Last date for submission of abstracts is 30th May 2017.

A funded PhD position is open for summer or fall 2017 in the Mechanics and Dynamics Laboratory in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Wichita State University. The research program will focus on the design and development of mechanical metamaterials, their application towards aerospace structures, and will involve a combination of analytical, numerical, and experimental methods. The candidate must have a MS in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering and a strong background in structural mechanics and dynamics.

Dear iMechanicians,

One PhD position for a European PhD student is available at Cardiff University in Computational Engineering Sciences.

We are also looking for international candidates from any country for the prestigious President PhD fellowship at Cardiff University.

We are interested in students with a background in Applied Mathematics or Computational Engineering.

We are also welcoming applications for Incoming Marie-Curie Fellows in Computational Engineering and Data Modelling and Simulation, both at Cardiff University and the University of Luxembourg.

Postdoc Positon in Atomic and Coarse-Grained Simulations of Epoxy Polymers 

(Grant Requirement: U.S. Citizenship or Green Card)

We are soliciting applications from outstanding candidates for a postdoctoral research position in the Computational & Experimental Materials Engineering Laboratory, at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University. This will be a one year position renewable depending on performance.

Dear colleagues, 

A postdoc position is immediately available in my research group. Experience on derivation, implementation, validation and verification of crystal plasticity model at finite strain is required. Knowledge on meshless method and/or phase field modeling is a plus but not required. 

For further information, please visit our research group webpage listed below. 

http://poromechanics.weebly.com/

Dear All,

Readers of this site might be interested in the following paper appeared in the Proceedings of the Royal Society and has received considerable attention in the media:

The roles of impact and inertia in the failure of a shoelace knot

The paper discusses a mechanism for the the accidental untying of a shoelace knot that many of us, including me, experience on a daily basis. The failure is sudden and catastropic as can be seen in the following video: