Active mechanical metamaterials

At the micro-scale, the scientific challenge is to design novel mechanical metamaterials and understand their significant deformation mechanisms, while at the macro scale, the engineering issue is to develop an efficient system for integrating these metamaterials with several engineering applications.

Metamaterials derive their properties from their microstructure rather than composition. The macroscale properties of these materials are determined by the small-scale topological design. These materials have found applications in many fields of science and engineering like light weight design, engineering, medical applications, dampers, energy absorbers, thermal management, artificial intelligence and many more. The proposed topic of research is to comprehensively investigate elastic properties of metamaterials and their dependence on microstructural parameters.

The main objectives of this project will be as follows:

• investigation on the static structural mechanics of cellular metamaterials
• dynamic homogenisation of cellular metamaterials
• wave propagation in disordered cellular metamaterials
• data-driven design of architected materials

This project could be right for you if you enjoy solid mechanics and structures, have an inclination toward computational and analytical mechanics, and are also interested in carrying out physical experiments. Any experience with mechanical metamaterials and mechanics of composites would be beneficial.

This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic first or upper second class graduate in aerospace/mechanical/civil engineering to build strong knowledge in structural and solid mechanics for developing artificially engineered multi-functional materials. 

The studentship will also give an opportunity of building valuable relationships with both academic and industrial collaborators at the international level.