PHD positions @ UniTrento Deadline May 14, 2024 - ERC CoG - Self-Foldable Origami-Architected Metamaterials

Ph.D. positions within the research activity related to the PI ERC Consolidator Grant "SFOAM" (Self-Foldable Origami-Architected Metamaterials) will be funded by and available at the University of Trento (Italy).

The research group offering this position is coordinated by Prof. Diego Misseroni (https://misseroni.dicam.unitn.it/)

We present a captivating opportunity for the best students to work in the field of architected materials and origami-based metamaterials. The objective is to implant origami/kirigami capabilities within architected cellular structures at different scales, paving the way for metamaterials with unparalleled mechanical performance. By combining multistability, control of localized deformation, and ellipticity loss, we aim to unlock a groundbreaking capability: self-foldability and shape-morphing induced by external stimuli. Through this innovative research, we will develop theoretical models, leveraging topological inhomogeneities in origami-based metamaterials, to achieve reprogrammable frustrate states, tunable mechanical properties, spontaneous buckling, and foldability. To advance our understanding, we will utilize Floquet-Bloch asymptotic homogenization as a powerful tool for determining a continuum equivalent to origami frustrated metamaterials. Furthermore, our investigation will involve rigorous numerical testing using both standard commercial finite element (FE) software and dedicated origami software. In summary, this research aims to create metamaterials with extraordinary mechanical properties. By integrating origami/kirigami techniques, we will unlock self-foldability and shape-morphing capabilities, enabling structures to adapt and respond to external stimuli.

Research Supervisors: Under the guidance of Prof. Diego Misseroni, coordinator of the research group (https://misseroni.dicam.unitn.it/), you will have the privilege to collaborate with renowned researchers worldwide, including Prof. Glaucio H. Paulino (Princeton University, USA), Prof. Pradeep Pratapa (Madras Institute of Technology, India), and Prof. Ke Liu (Peking University, China). This global collaboration will empower you to enhance your technical skills, broaden your understanding of materials science, mechanics of materials and structures, and develop critical problem-solving abilities.

How to express your interest:

The PhD position is open! You can apply at the following link:

https://webapps.unitn.it/Apply/en/Web/Home/dott

choosing: 

PhD Programme in Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering 40th cycle - First Call 2024
Deadline Mon 13 May 2024 16:00 (Italian time).

You should apply to curriculum B3 or B4, both related to my ERC 2022 COG S-FOAM.