Postdoctoral position in Mechanical Engineering - Shape Memory Alloys

The following description is for a position is in my research group at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. 

About Khalifa University (www.kustar.ac.ae)

With campuses in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, Khalifa University is dedicated to the advancement of learning through teaching and research and to the discovery and application of knowledge. It endeavours to be an internationally recognised research university, with a world class reputation for interdisciplinary teaching and research and a tradition of partnering with leading academic institutions from around the world.

The University actively develops an international network of partners, faculty members, and research programs to advance regionally relevant research and innovation in the UAE and the region at large.

Duration and salary

The position is available from January 2016 for up to 24 months and comes with a high salary by international standards.

About the role

The objective of the postdoctoral research project is to develop a new type of hybrid energy harvesting composites consisting of shape memory alloy (SMA) and piezoelectric active layers. The envisaged research involves analytical modeling and numerical simulation as well as experimental characterization and testing of monolithic and composite smart materials. 

The research duties of the postdoctoral associate are the following:

1.Development of a constitutive model for active composite laminates consisting of SMA and piezoelectric layers (piezo-SMA laminates),

2.Time integration of the constitutive model and development of the required programming for use in numerical simulation and finite element analysis,

3.Experimental validation of the proposed simulation framework and use in developing new designs for piezo-SMA laminates,

4.Fabrication, characterization and testing of proof-of-concept samples and assessment of technological readiness.

About the person

•PhD or equivalent in mechanical engineering,

•Experience in analytical constitutive modeling and homogenization techniques for deformable solids,

•Experience in numerical integration of constitutive models for elastoplastic and similar materials,

•Experience in scientific programming (Fortran, Python and Matlab are preferred),

•Experience in materials characterization and testing.

Contact

Send an updated CV to Dr. Wael Zaki, department of mechanical engineering, wael.zaki@kustar.ac.ae

Link to submit application

http://careers.kustar.ac.ae/kustar/VacancyDetail.aspx?VacancyID=103998&PageID=20116