Morphing soft matter, which is capable of changing its shape and function in response to stimuli, has wide-ranging applications in robotics, medicine and biology. Recently, computational models have accelerated its development. Here, we highlight advances and challenges in developing computational techniques, and explore the potential applications enabled by such models.

Yifan Yang, Fan Xu*

Nature Computational Science, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1038/s43588-024-00647-y

For a given class of materials, universal deformations are those deformations that can be maintained in the absence of body forces and by applying solely boundary tractions. For inhomogeneous bodies, in addition to the universality constraints that determine the universal deformations, there are extra constraints on the form of the material inhomogeneities—universal inhomogeneity constraints. Those inhomogeneities compatible with the universal inhomogeneity constraints are called universal inhomogeneities.

We are currently seeking a highly motivated candidate for a Post-Doc position in the School of Packaging at MSU. The focus of this position will be on studying the vibrations experienced by packages during transportation, their stabilty, and structural mechanics. This research will involve utilizing various tools and techniques such as a vibration shaker, acceleration sled, FEM simulations, DIC, nonlinear computational models, and more. To be considered for this position, the ideal candidate should possess the following qualifications:

Do you want to understand how digitalization can revolutionize civil engineering structures? Do you want to bridge the gap between academia and industry in your daily work? Are you eager to share your research with our students so that they can make the difference tomorrow? Then you could be the new colleague we are looking for. The Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering of Aarhus University is looking for a visionary Assistant Professor (Tenure Track)/Associate Professor in the area of Digitalization for Structural Engineering.

New 4-year PDRA position at University of Glasgow, deadline 11^th July 2024

This study presents a comprehensive exploration of Peridynamic (PD) theory, with a specific focus on its theoretical foundations and practical implementations, including various PD formulations and PD operators. The objective is to highlight the unique attributes of each PD formulation and assess their suitability in the framework of material failure simulations by providing an extensive literature review.

A fully supported Ph.D. position is open immediately in Advanced Hierarchical Materials by Design Lab at the University of Alabama. This role focuses on the multiscale modeling of materials, specifically for the additive manufacturing of metals. The successful candidate will engage in detailed modeling of the additive manufacturing process and the development of novel metal alloys, utilizing techniques such as continuum mechanics, phase-field modeling, CALPHAD simulations, and molecular dynamics models.

PhD position(s) is available for Fall 2024 or Spring 2025 in the Engineering Mechanics program in the Aerospace Engineering Department at Iowa State University (USA) to perform the theoretical and computational part of work on NSF- and ARO-funded projects on the interaction between phase transformations and plasticity at high pressures. Phase-field, micromechanical, and macroscale simulations using FEM are of interest in close collaboration with high-pressure experiments performed in our lab and at governmental synchrotron radiation facilities. MS degree is required.

It is widely acknowledged that fluidelastic instability (FEI), among other mechanisms, is of the greatest concern in the flow-induced vibration (FIV) of tube bundles in steam generators and heat exchangers. A range of theoretical models have been developed for FEI analysis, and, in addition to the earliest semi-empirical Connors’ model, the unsteady model, the quasi-steady model and the semi-analytical model are believed to be three advanced models predominant in the literature.

Postdoc positions are available at Jiangsu University, China. Those possessing PhDs in the area of mechanical engineering and non-destructive evaluation are sought. We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in experimental and computational mechanics, composite materials and structures etc. Also, candidates with experience in machine learning or material science etc. are also welcome for inter-discipline research.