PhD Studentship: Active Mechanical Metamaterials

Supervisory Team: Dr Susmita Naskar, Dr Tanmoy Mukhopadhyay

Project description:

This PhD studentship will involve a combination of computational and experimental work, providing the students with complete and holistic training and a diverse research experience. At the micro-scale, the scientific challenge is to design novel mechanical metamaterials and understand their significant deformation mechanisms, while at the macro scale, the engineering issue is to develop an efficient system for integrating these metamaterials with several engineering applications.

Metamaterials derive their properties from their microstructure rather than composition. The macroscale properties of these materials are determined by the small-scale topological design. These materials have found applications in many fields of science and engineering like light weight design, engineering, medical applications, dampers, energy absorbers, thermal management, artificial intelligence and many more. The proposed topic of research is to comprehensively investigate elastic properties of metamaterials and their dependence on microstructural parameters .

The main objectives of this project will be as follows:

• Investigation on the static structural mechanics of cellular metamaterials
• Dynamic homogenisation of cellular metamaterials
• Wave propagation in disordered cellular metamaterials
• Data-driven design of architected materials

This project could be right for you if you enjoy solid mechanics and structures, have an inclination toward computational and analytical mechanics, and are also interested in carrying out physical experiments. Any experience with mechanical metamaterials and mechanics of composites would be beneficial. If you wish to discuss any further details of the project informally, please contact Dr Susmita Naskar, Email: s.naskar@soton.ac.uk

This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic first or upper second class graduate in aerospace/mechanical/civil engineering to build strong knowledge in structural and solid mechanics for developing artificially engineered multi-functional materials. The studentship will also give an opportunity of building valuable relationships with both academic and industrial collaborators at the international level.

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date: 31 August 2024.

Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

Funding: Tuition Fees and a stipend of £15,285 tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years

How to apply

Apply online, by clicking the 'Apply' button, above.

Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD Engineering & Environment (Full time)”.

In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor: Susmita Naskar

Applications should include:

• Research Proposal
• Curriculum Vitae
• Two reference letters
• Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

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