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

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

1. 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.
2. Compare the macro-models; one (or both) will be selected and used for drape modelling and provide input for infusion/mechanical performance data.
3. 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.
4. 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