A postdoctoral position is available in the area of computational and experimental analysis of biological materials. The primary objective of this project is to use numerical and experimental methods to investigate the mechanical response of (bio-)composite structures. We are interested in applicants with expertise in the area of mechanics of materials and previous experience with computer programming (e.g. FORTRAN/C++), FEM, and multiscale modelling. The ideal candidate should also have a background in experimental studies. 

Rechargeable batteries are usually charged by applied voltage. Here we demonstrate that mechanical bending can charge a thin-film lithium ion battery and removing the bending discharges the battery. Bending and relaxation (or bending in the opposite direction) thus realizes mechanically rechargeable battery, or more generally, mechanical energy harvester. 

What should be expected when an elastic rod is forced to slip inside a sliding sleeve and against an obstacle?

After buckling, configurational forces play a strong role, so that a force reversal is observed!

Enjoy the injection of an elastic rod at http://www.ing.unitn.it/~bigoni/injection.html

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW POSITION at Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington.

On behalf of the International Institute for Multifunctional Materials for Energy Conversion (IIMEC) and the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Texas A&M, we would like to announce the 5th Summer School on Computational Materials Science Across Scales. The 2016 IIMEC Summer School will be held from July 18 to July 29, 2016 on the Texas A&M University campus in College Station, Texas. 

Phase-transforming and switchable metamaterials

Dian Yang, Lihua Jin, Ramses V Martinez, Katia Bertoldi, George M Whitesides, Zhigang Suo

Buckling of Elastomeric Beams Enables Actuation of Soft Machines

Dian Yang, Bobak Mosadegh, Alar Ainla, Benjamin Lee, Fatemeh Khashai, Zhigang Suo, Katia Bertoldi, George M Whitesides

We look for a candidate with a strong background in Physics, Material Science/Mechanics, or Tissue Biomechanics. The candidate should hold a MSc or an equivalent degree in a strongly related field. Good spoken and written English is mandatory. The candidate must be a UK or EU resident. Any residency other than that cannot be accepted.

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW POSITION School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology. We have an immediate opening for a postdoctoral fellow. The position’s primary area of research will focus on origami engineering with emphasis on metamaterials, adaptive structures, optimization, and additive manufacturing. Expertise is particularly sought in rapid prototyping, multiphysics modeling, and nonlinear multiscale finite element analysis and design. The initial appointment is for one year with potential to extend, subject to the availability of funds.