Cross-linked liquid crystalline polymers (LCPs) are smart materials for large light-activated variation or bend to transfer luminous energy into mechanical energy. We study the light-induced behavior of homeotropic nematic network polymer plates. The perturbation method is applied to find approximate solutions under uniform illumination and compared with finite element simulations. Moreover, situations of nonuniform laser illumination are investigated.

Inspired by the need to develop reconfigurable materials at the micro- and nano- scales that are capable of exhibiting more than one stable configuration, we employed both theoretical and computational models supported by experiments to study the multistable behavior of a Si/Cr microclaw and uncover the mechanical principles involved.

The 21st International Conference on Composites Materials (ICCM-21) will be held in Xi'an, China, August 20-25, 2017. ICCM, the most premier conference in the field of composite materials, aims at encouraging the exchange of the researches and insights from scientists and scholars, and promoting research, development and use of composite material and structures. You are welcome to  submit to Track 2.2 Multiscale Modeling of Structures to share your great ideas on multiscale modeling.

A transducer is a system that couples two loads. For example, an electromechanical transducer couples a mechanical force and an electrical voltage. A two-load, nonlinear system can exhibit rich behavior of bifurcation, which can be displayed in a three-dimensional space, with the horizontal plane representing the two loads, and the vertical axis representing the state of the system. In this three-dimensional space, a state of equilibrium at fixed loads corresponds to a point on a surface.

PhD positions are available from Fall 2017, in Michigan Technological University, in Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics Department. The candidates are to work in the computational modeling of multiphysics behavior of polymer materials, high rate fracture response of gel like tissue mimicking materials or Design of microarchitectured polymer composites for improved functionality. Interested candidates can email their CV with relevant information at -tsain[AT]mtu.edu

Candidates with background in continuum mechanics, finite elements and materials modeling are preferred.

The University of Notre Dame, Center for Shock Wave-processing of Advanced Reactive Materials (C-SWARM), is seeking highly qualified candidates for two postdoctoral associate positions in the area of computational mechanics/physics with emphasis on chemically reactive solids. C-SWARM is center of excellence established by National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) whose primary focus is on the emerging field of predictive science.

Self-healing materials can repair damage caused by mechanical wear, thereby extending lifetime of devices. Here, a transparent, self-healing, highly stretchable ionic conductor is presented that autonomously heals after experiencing severe mechanical damage.

I am looking for two talented, self-motivated, and enthusiastic students with BSc degrees in mechanical or materials engineering. Students with a background in any of the following areas are recommended to apply:

• Materials characterization
• Solid mechanics and finite element modelling of materials

The selected candidate will be based at the Mechanical & Materials Engineering Department, Western University, London, ON, Canada. 

A PhD student position is available in wave propagation analyses and inverse problems in Department of Civil Engineering at The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC from Fall 2017.

For more information, please see the attached pdf file.