Job description

PhD (4 years, paid) on finite element modelling of complex textile materials and manufacturing processes

We are looking for a PhD student for a research project on textile modelling. In this project, the main purpose is to develop a multi-scale textile modelling framework that allows accurate simulation of textile manufacturing processes such as yarn unwinding from a bobbin, weft insertion during weaving, stitching and tufting. This framework is implemented using finite element modelling as well as virtual fibre modelling. Big challenges here are the high anisotropy, low bending stiffness and non-linear behaviour of most textile materials, as well as the dynamics of manufacturing systems as most production happens at very high speeds. Moreover, the approach should entail both kinematics as well as mechanics such that predictive simulations of textile manufacturing can be made. This is still a very new research topic and many scientific questions remain unanswered. The PhD researcher will be part of a team of 4 researchers (3 PhD students and one postdoctoral researcher) who will all work on this large research project.

You will work at the Department of Materials, Textiles and Chemical Engineering at Ghent University under prof. Lode DAELEMANS (Centre for Textile Science and Engineering, https://textiles.ugent.be) and prof. Wim VAN PAEPEGEM (Mechanics of Materials and Structures, https://composites.ugent.be). Ghent University is a large university in Belgium, counting about 45,000 students and consistently ranks among the best 100 universities in the world. The research group and its laboratories are situated in the Tech Lane Science Park in the south of Ghent (Technologiepark 70, 9052 Zwijnaarde). The campus is easily accessed by bike, bus or car.

Our offer:

• We have extensive experimental and numerical facilities. You will have access to several workstations and a high performance computing cluster to run finite element simulations;
• You will get the chance to attend international conferences (e.g. AUTEX, ECCM, ICCM,...) and to present papers on these conferences. You are encouraged to publish your results not only on international conferences, but also in peer-reviewed international scientific journals;
• A personal laptop and workspace;
• The university offers compensations for public transport (train) and bicycle. The work location can be reached easily by public transport (train and tram/bus);
• There are a lot of sport accommodations and other benefits (reductions on computer purchase, internet connection, fitness, hospitalization insurance policy, ...) for university personnel;
• The scholarship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual scholarship amount is determined by the DPO on the basis of family circumstances and seniority.

Job profile

• Experience with finite element mechanical modelling;
• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, computational mechanics, materials science, or similar;
• Familiar with mechanics of materials and experimental and computational techniques;
• Good knowledge of English writing and speaking;
  
  

Nice to haves:

• Knowledge of Abaqus™ or other commercial FEA packages;
• Experience with, or a background in, textile materials and processes;

How to apply

Please write a detailed Curriculum Vitae in Dutch or English, containing:

• Personal details (name, nationality, date of birth, …);
• Education and degrees, include subject of master’s thesis, PhD thesis;
• Transcript of records of bachelor’s and master’s degree;
• Work experience (previous jobs);
• Additional skills (finite element software, programming, communication, experimental techniques, …);
• Language skills;
• References (previous relevant projects, published papers, conference contributions, …);
  
  

Send the C.V. by e-mail to Lode.Daelemans@UGent.be using the subject ‘Application for Vacancy 20230101’ and mention for which vacancy you are applying.