PhD Candidate / PhD Candidate (Female)

PhD Position: Modeling Fracture in Soft Materials

100%, Zurich, Fixed-Term

The Computational Mechanics of Building Materials at ETH Zurich announces an opening for a PhD student focused on modeling fracture in soft materials.

The Computational Mechanics of Building Materials (CMBM) is dedicated to understanding and predicting mechanical failure in materials and structures. By combining numerical modeling tools with tailored laboratory experiments and theoretical models, we provide a comprehensive perspective on mechanical failure, bridging the gap between the small-scale behavior of materials and the principles that govern catastrophic failures at the system level. CMBM fosters a highly interdisciplinary and international research environment, with ongoing projects exploring various topics, including:

• Mechanisms of earthquake nucleation and arrest
• Building structures with topologically interlocked materials
• Processes governing the structural build-up of cement in additive manufacturing
• Nano- and micro-scale processes controlling concrete cracking due to corrosion
• Fundamental laws governing granular materials
• Damage and fracture mechanisms in soft materials

This position is part of a collaborative project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation, which supports multiple researchers at ETH Zurich and partner universities, aiming to enhance our understanding of fracture in soft and slender bodies.

Soft materials such as hydrogels and elastomers are increasingly utilized in engineering applications, ranging from biomedical devices to soft robotics. These materials are often designed in slender configurations that promote flexibility and adaptability, yet they also exhibit intricate fracture behaviors. This project seeks to develop a fundamental understanding of fracture in these materials by investigating the interaction of dissipation, geometric nonlinearities, and slenderness across multiple length scales. Our goal is to uncover the mechanisms underlying crack initiation and growth through a combination of theory, simulations, and experiments, ultimately creating predictive models of fracture to facilitate the design of soft materials with enhanced reliability and fracture resistance.

Job Description

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing numerical and theoretical models to investigate fracture in soft and slender bodies. Key responsibilities include:

• Exploring the interplay between nonlinear elasticity, dissipation, and slender geometry in relation to crack initiation and growth.
• Simulating fracture processes using in-house codes and high-performance computing resources.
• Analyzing dissipative mechanisms to identify the underlying causes of failure.
• Contributing to the development of predictive models that encapsulate the complex interplay of length scales in soft materials.
• Collaborating with experimental researchers, providing modeling insights and assisting in the interpretation of experimental data.

Profile

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• A Master's degree in mechanics, physics, civil, mechanical, aerospace, or bio-engineering, material science, or a related field.
• A strong background in solid mechanics, applied physics and mathematics, computational sciences, or a related discipline.
• Prior programming experience and fluency in English (both oral and written).
• A passion for original research and ability to thrive in an interdisciplinary and international team environment.
• Strong social skills and proactive communication abilities that contribute to a positive group atmosphere.

Workplace

ETH Zurich offers a family-friendly workplace with excellent conditions, fostering a vibrant working environment characterized by cultural diversity and a wealth of benefits.

We Offer

• Your career will make an impact: Join ETH Zurich, which supports your professional development while striving for positive societal change.
• We are committed to fostering a sustainable and climate-neutral university.
• Numerous benefits await you, including public transport season tickets, car sharing, a wide range of sports activities, childcare options, and attractive pension plans.

We Value Diversity

Aligned with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equal opportunities, value diversity, and cultivate a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are upheld. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website for more information on our commitment to a fair and empowering environment.

Curious? So Are We.

The position is available with a flexible start date, potentially as soon as possible.

We invite you to apply online using the form below if you believe you are a suitable candidate for this role. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is among the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for exceptional education, pioneering research, and the direct application of novel knowledge to real-world challenges, we are home to over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries. ETH Zurich promotes independent thinking and an inspiring environment for excellence, forging connections globally to address pressing concerns for today's society and the future.