Hilde F's blog

Lithium ion batteries with solid state electrolytes are prone to degradation by a range of mechanisms including dendrite formation, void formation and swell-induced fatigue and micro-cracking. The topology of the battery plays a role over a number of length scales, from macro scale geometry of battery to the microstructural scale of the cathode. The kinetics of plating and stripping of lithium at free surfaces play a major role, along with the role of topology in terms of both performance and failure mechanisms.

The Maudslay-Butler Research Fellowship in Engineering was established to encourage the highest quality of research in any area of Engineering. The Research Fellow will develop and benefit from close links with the University’s Department of Engineering. The Maudslay Trust, which supports the Research Fellowship, commemorates Henry Maudslay, a pioneering mechanical engineer.  We welcome applications from any candidates who have recently completed a Ph.D. or who will be expected to complete their Ph.D.

The Lectureship is a primarily an experimental position for a mechanical engineer who will develop a leading international research profile in the mechanics of materials. Relevant fields include (but are not limited to) additive manufacturing, in-situ testing, mechanical meta-materials and energy materials for a low-carbon future.

Cambridge University Engineering Department is seeking applicants for the "Ashby Postdoctoral Fellowship in Mechanics and Materials". This Fellowship has recently been established in honour of the pioneering research by Prof. M F Ashby CBE, FRS, FREng. The Fellowship is for 3 years.

Dr John Biggins is establishing a new experimental and theoretical research activity in the area of liquid crystalline elastomers and glasses (LCE/Gs). These remarkable soft-solids can undergo large reversible and programmed shape changes upon heating or illumination, and the group will target novel mechanics and "artificial-muscle" applications in shape-changing devices.

STORM-BOTS is a new european training network (ITN) dedicated to liquid crystalline elastomers and soft robotics.

We are seeking to fill 13 early stage researcher (ESR) positions across Europe, including openings for chemists, fabricators, roboticists and theorists. The ESRs will collaborate on the design and creation of liquid crystal elastomers devices, and will benefit from training and secondment opportunities coordinated by the network.  Twelve of the positions include enrolment in a PhD program, while one is primarily based in a company.

Dr John Biggins (supervisor) and Prof Mark Warner FRS (co-supervisor) are searching for a talented theorist with interests in mechanics and geometry to work on the design of soft liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) machines. The studentship is part of a new Marie Sklodowska-Curie training network called storm-bots, which will encompass 13 students across Europe working on the design and creation soft LCE machines. The soft, anisotropic materials of the project, liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) and glasses, contract along their director on heating/illumination.