Composites

Nowadays, there is an increasing interest to use composite materials in automotive applications, in particular the use of fibre-reinforced plastics (carbon or glass fibres in a polymer matrix) is widely considered. The use of lighter materials, and hence a reduced fuel consumption, can be one of the possible solutions for reduced CO2 emissions. As the automotive industry is mainly familiar with metals and plastics, a lot of research is being spent on the mechanical response of composites under fatigue and impact loading, and on developing new design methodologies for these "new" materials.

Development of Advanced Numerical Methods for the Virtual Testing of Composite Structures

Your tasks: The main objective of this position is to improve the fracture toughness of high performance composite materials. You are expected to plan and implement manufacturing and processing experiments with carbon fibre thermoset prepregs and characterise their fracture properties. Furthermore, you will plan respective processing equipment and thoroughly investigate fracture mechanics of composites. This also includes the development of according numerical analyses and simulations.

We have openings for new PhD students in the Biomimetic Materials Laboratory at McGill University, starting January 2015.

Contact: Dr. Siddiq Qidwai, siddiq.qidwai [at] nrl.navy.mil

Postdoc Information: http://hroffice.nrl.navy.mil/jobs/postdoc.htm. Note the substantial stipend and benefits.

NOTE: US Citizenship is required for all positions. US Permanent Residents may be acceptable in certain circumstances.