iMechanica

We recently proposed a method that uses distance fields to exactly impose boundary conditions in physics-informed neural networks (PINN).  This contribution is available as an arXiv preprint.

Dear colleagues,

Our work on 'Multiscale analysis of elastic waves in soft materials: From molecular chain networks to fiber composites' is published in International Journal of Mechanical Sciences. 

Please read here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmecsci.2021.106433

In this paper, we have examined:

To students and junior researchers,

Together with Stephane Bordas (Luxembourg University) and Alban de Vaucorbeil (Deakin University, Australia), we have assembled a PDF (https://imechanica.org/files/how-to-write-paper.pdf) outlining our our approach to writing articles on the field of computational mechanics. Also discussed are softwares used. We hope that it will be of help to students and junior researchers.

Dr Liya Zhao from the School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering at the University of Technology Sydney, Australia, is seeking PhD students to work on projects related to the following topics. Full scholarship will be provided (AUD 28,092/year).

Our presentations at the School on Advanced Topics in Computational Mechanics (part of the UK Association of Computational Mechanics 2021 Conference) are now available on the MoFEM YouTube channel (link).

Dear iMechanica colleagues, I am pleased to share with you our newest paper on qauntitative prediction of rapid solidification. S. Kavousi, B. Novak, D. Moldovan, and M. Asle Zaeem. Quantitative prediction of rapid solidification by integrated atomistic and phase-field modeling.

Mechanical Testing of the Nasopharyngeal Test Swab

Abstract

Our team led by Professor Tomasz Wierzbicki at MIT Mechanical Engineering is looking for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate in the area of machine learning for solid-state batteries. The candidate is expected to develop machine-learning-based computational tools for the characterization of the interfacial failure in Li-metal all-solid-state batteries. Candidates who have experience in physics-informed machine learning, computational and solid mechanics, multiphysics modeling, and all-solid-state batteries are encouraged to apply by sending a CV to Dr.

Dear colleagues,

We invite you to see the preprint of our new paper "Nonlinear statistical mechanics drives intrinsic electrostriction and volumetric torque in polymer networks" that will appear in Physical Review E. Here we use a nonlinear statistical mechanics approach to the electroelasticity of dielectric polymer chains and obtain a two-way coupling between chain deformation and dielectric response. This two-way coupling leads to electrically induced stresses and volumetric torques within an elastomer network which can be leveraged to develop higher efficiency soft actuators, electroactive materials, and novel electromechanical mechanisms. (https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.103.042504).

The Engineering Mechanics Institute of ASCE, is pleased to announce the winners of several 2021 prestigious mechanics awards.  

See details here.

 The presentation of the award will take place during the Award Ceremony of the EMI PMC 2021 Conference to be held as a virtual event on May 25-28.  

It gives me great pleasure to announce the outcome of the 2020 competition for the Eshelby Mechanics Award for Young Faculty. This award is given annually to rapidly emerging junior faculty who exemplify the creative use and development of mechanics. The intent of the award is to promote the field of mechanics, especially among young researchers. The selection committee consisted of: K. Ravi-chandar (UT Austin), Huajian Gao (Brown University), G.

A postdoctoral associate position is available at University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) with Prof. Wei Gao, starting 9/1/2021. The candidate is expected to have a strong background in materials modeling, with at least one of the following skills: density functional theory, molecular dynamics, phase field method and machine learning. The research project will focus broadly on studying the phase transformation and related mechanical behavior in structural and functional materials.

Two PhD positions are available in the Computational Cardiovascular Bioengineering Lab (C2BL) at the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Texas A&M University for Spring 2022 entry. The positions will focus on cardiac imaging, inverse modeling, and machine learning. Candidates with a strong background in mechanics and computational modeling/programming and an interest in cardiovascular medicine are encouraged to send their CV to rezaavaz@tamu.edu. The Spring 2022 application deadline is July 1st.

On April 27th we will present a webinar hosted by our partner @Altair where we will share efficient high-fidelity design and optimization of composite blades using VABS. Register now at https://bit.ly/3gnQJAN

Electron beam melting (EBM) is a metal powder bed fusion additive manufacturing (AM) technology that is widely used for making three-dimensional (3D) objects by adding materials layer by layer. EBM is a very complex thermal process which involves several physical phenomena such as moving heat source, material state change, and material deposition. Conventionally, these phenomena are implemented using in-house codes or embedding some user subroutines in commonly used commercial software packages, like Abaqus, which generally requires considerable expertise.

Ph.D. positions (Graduate Research Assistantship)  are available in the field of: (1) 3D printed composite materials for durable infrastructure and (2) advanced multifunctional durable concrete and cementitious materials.  The research work will have both computational and experimental components. Individuals interested in 3D printed polymer composites, multifunctional concretes, multiscale/multiphysics material modeling, and experimental mechanics are encouraged to apply. The positions start Fall 2021 (August 2021).

Our latest article on the ballistic performance of polymer/metal nanostructures is freely available for 50 days from today: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1cy9c3In-urcWx

Applied Mechanics Reviews (AMR), a flagship journal of the ASME, is dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion and recognizes these values as pillars of a rich and vibrant scientific community. To pledge its commitment, AMR is proud to announce the appointment of two Diversity Advocates on its editorial board. For a full statement from the AMR Editorial Board, please see the editorial at the link below:

Dear Colleagues,

I am looking for a talented and motivated postdoctoral researcher to join my group at the University of Oxford in September 2021 (2-year contract). The project focuses on the constitutive modelling of biodegradable polymers (large deformations coupled to mass transport and chemical reactions). Candidates should have a strong background in continuum mechanics, constitutive modelling (hyperelasticity, viscoplasticity) and finite element methods. 

A complete description of the position is attached.

We have open Ph.D. positions in my group at the University of Houston (UH) this Fall or Spring 2022. The general area of research is the mechanics of material failure. Of particular interest, is understanding how microstructures influence damage and fracture processes in advanced materials including metals and polymers. We formulate theoretical frameworks to assess and predict material behaviors at different length-scales via computational modeling and simulations. We closely collaborate with experimental groups.

Dear Colleagues,

The Composites Heterogeneous Materials Analysis and Simulation (COHMAS) Laboratory at KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology), Saudi Arabia, is pleased to announce e-poster competition on composite materials.

There is a Ph.D. opening in my research group in the Mechanical Engineering department at the University of Houston to be filled as soon as possible.
The research topic is multiscale modeling of the deformation response of SMAs through Machine Learning and Bayesian Inference.

Interested applicants are requested to contact Theocharis Baxevanis (tbaxevanis@uh.edu) with a brief cover letter that includes a summary of skills and copy of CV.
A master's degree in the areas of computational/continuum/fracture mechanics is required.

A PhD position is available as early as Fall, 2021 or Spring 2022 in Dr. Ning Zhang’s group at the University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa).

Our industrial group in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at École de Technologie Supérieure is seeking a talented and highly motivated MSc/PhD candidate who has a strong background in 3D Metrology, Computational Metrology, Computer-Aided Inspection, and CAD/CAM.

The candidate (especially the PhD candidate) should have solid knowledge about Point Cloud and considerable expertise in PolyWorks Software.

The selected applicant will receive financial support.