Belgium: PhD Scholarships in Characterisation of the Fabric Deformation, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven

RESEARCH ASSISTANT (FOR PHD STUDIES)
Position opens: January 2009
Project duration: 2009 - 2012 (4 years)
Project title: Simulation Based Solutions for Industrial Manufacture of Large Infusion Composite Parts (INFUCOMP) – Framework program 7 of the European Commission

K.U. Leuven is responsible for the work package of the project: “Characterisation of the fabric deformation”

Objectives of the work

The modelling work follows two parallel (but interrelated) routes;
a. macro-model development for models to be implemented in existing state-of-the-art draping software PAM-FORM;
b. and mathematical meso-modelling to extend the WiseTex software, with the aim to replace/reduce testing and provide (future) direct input to FE analysis.
Compare the macro-models; one (or both) will be selected and used for drape modelling and provide input for infusion/mechanical performance data.
New tests on the selected project fabrics will be performed to gather essential data on deformation, shear and through-thickness compression behaviour. Data will be used for fabric modelling and, furthermore, permeability testing/modelling.
Experimental work will contribute to ‘standardisation’ of fabric testing and, where necessary, new procedures will be proposed. It is expected there will be a useful contribution to future standards.
Position description
The project offers full funding of a 4-year PhD program to be carried out at K.U.Leuven, combined with Research Assistant position in the Department MTM, in the Composite Materials Group
http://www.mtm.kuleuven.be/Research/C2/poly/index.htm
Supervisor at K.U.Leuven : Prof. Stepan Lomov

Requirements
1. Master degree in one of the following fields (or similar)
- Composites materials
- Mechanics of solids
- Materials Engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Textiles

Strong modelling background is an absolute requirement, more then experience with the certain class of materials (composites and textiles).

The educational background should include

Advanced course(s) on mechanics of solids
Numerical methods and scientific programming
2. Research experience

Master thesis work involving modeling of material behaviour and/or mechanical testing of composite or textile materials
Candidate having publications and/or conference papers will have an advantage
3. Language: English

Job contents

Development of models of deformation of textiles
Implementation of the models in software, using commercial FE package(s) and own programs (C++ is preferred).
Validation of the models through the extensive experimental program
CONTACT
Prof Stepan Lomov
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Department of Metallurgy and Materials
Engineering
Kasteelpark Arenberg, 44, 3001 Heverlee , Belgium
tel +32-16-32-12-10
fax +32-16-32-19-90
Stepan.Lomov[ at ]mtm.kuleuven.be