Blog posts

We have just published a new paper that presents a theoretical model to test if the fracture resistance of a layered structure can be increased by introducing weak layers changing the cracking mechanism. An analytical model, based on the J integral, predicts a linear dependency between the number of cracks and the steady state fracture resistance. A finite element cohesive zone model, containing two cracking planes for simplicity, is used to check the theoretical model and its predictions.

Recently developed materials and mechanics concepts yield stretchable electronics, which has changed the way that people think about possibilities in the area of electronics and enabled many novel applications. These stretchable electronics will be subject to large, repeated deformation during manufacturing and service.  All these post significant challenges to the functionality and reliability of stretchable electronic devices.

One Internet, multiple worlds.  People have gone mobile, but iMechanica has not.  Although iMechanica is accessible from mobile phones, but it was not designed as such.  On the other hand, mobile social networks are good mostly for short forms.  A practical solution seems to be posting on iMechanica and linking the entries to social networks, such as twitter, wechat, and Facebook.  For example, The New Yorker has a strong presence on Facebook, as my sons and their friends would say.   

Dear readers,

As usual, you can find here our best wishes from the Legato Team, including a summary of our activities in 2015 and some highlights to look forward to in 2016: 2016 Lab Report:

http://orbilu.uni.lu/bitstream/10993/23314/3/2016_Legato_News.pdf

Permalink: http://orbilu.uni.lu/handle/10993/23314

Happy new year!

Stéphane Bordas

Dear all,

Happy new year. My supervisor (http://www.mun.ca/engineering/about/people/bipulhawlader.php) is currently looking for potential PhD students. If you are highly interested and motivated to join our group, please E-mail at sujan95 [at] gmail.com. Do not hesitate to knock me if you have any questions.

Thank you very much.

Regards,

Sujan Dutta. 

Our experience with earthquakes is that they are violent events that take a heavy toll on our societies through life and property losses. However, earthquakes present us with some of the most challenging questions in mechanics. By better understanding the nucleation and propagation dynamics of earthquakes, we may make progress towards minimizing their negative impact. Insights from mechanics may help in the development of better seismic hazard models as well as in the construction of more efficient earthquake early warning systems.

We are seeking a post-doctoral fellow for the gradient damage modelling of brittle fracture in the National University of Singapore (see project description in attachment). The project will start in Mar 2016. To apply, please send a single pdf file including cover letter, CV, a full list of publications and the contact details of 2 references, to ceeplh [at] nus.edu.sg (ceeplh[at]nus[dot]edu[dot]sg) 

We have a new position for posdoc in Qatar University. The main topic is using natural fibers in composite materials for particular structural applications. The job requires a previous experience with experimental characterization of natural fiber composites. In addition, numeriacl simulations are desirable. The job is available only for 7 months due to budget issues. For application, please send your CV with detailed explanation of your experience and list of publication to Prof. Elsadig Mahdi.

This themed issue on mechanical metamaterials invites contributions from different perspectives with the aim of highlighting the latest advances in the field.

The themed issue will focus on mechanical metamaterials in the general sense. This includes acoustic and elastic metamaterials as well as other types of metamaterials with unique mechanical and/or thermal properties at any length scale.

Topics of interest include the following: