Hard-magnetic soft materials have attracted broad interests because of their flexible programmability, non-contact activation and rapid response in various applications such as soft robotics, biomedical devices and flexible electronics. Such multifunctional materials consist of a soft matrix embedded with hard-magnetic particles, and can exhibit large deformations under external magnetic stimuli. Here, we develop a three-dimensional (3D) rod model to predict spatial deformations (extension, bending and twist) of slender hard-magnetic elastica.

"Finite Element Method: Physics and Solution Methods" aims to provide the reader a sound understanding of the physical systems and solution methods to enable effective use of this method. I hope that the mechanics community will find this book useful.

A Postdoctoral opening is available in the area of engineered thermoplastic composite tank.

Pectin’s unique physicochemical properties have been linked to a variety of reparative and regenerative processes in nature. To investigate the effect of water on pectin repair, we used a 5 mm stainless-steel uniaxial load to fracture glass phase pectin films. The fractured gel phase films were placed on a 1.5–1.8 mm thick layer of water and incubated for 8 h at room temperature and ambient humidity. There was no immersion or agitation. The repaired pectin film was subsequently assessed for its optical and mechanical properties.

We are inviting chapters for our proposed book on “Smart Technologies for Improved Performance of Manufacturing Systems and Services”.

To be published by CRC Press (Taylor n Francis Group), USA; Book series: Advances in Intelligent Decision-Making, Systems Engineering, and Project Management.

Fellow researchers,

Please consider reading our recent paper, "Freely jointed chain models with extensible links" published by Physical Review E.

Updates:

*Applicants can also apply through our UVM Department of Physics to get a PhD in Physics!

We are looking for an enthusiastic student who is interested in working in the field of smart and functional materials, in the department of mechanical engineering at Mahindra University in Hyderabad, India. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to conduct a bottom-up research towards developing a novel “active” composite. The research lifecycle encompasses modelling & simulation, design optimization, experimentation & validation of the composite.

The Engineering/Science Analyst will provide analytic support for activities and programs within the CMMI Division and will be part of the CMMI Analysts Team. The position will encompass a wide spectrum of duties in support of the Division's mission, including the analysis of scientific and technical issues to provide recommendations influencing policy and process administration. This is a great opportunity for recent Ph.D. graduates from CMMI disciplines to get a unique view of the Nation’s primary engineering research funding agency.

Postdoc positions are available in Dr Min Luo’s group (https://person.zju.edu.cn/en/minluo) at the Ocean College of Zhejiang University, China (ranked #45 in QS Global World Rankings 2022). Those holding a PhD degree in the areas of Computational Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics, and Civil/Hydraulic/Ocean Engineering are welcome to apply. We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in SPH simulation of fluid-structure interaction, as well as reduced-order modelling.