Modeling and simulation of inelastic materials and structures

The proposed PhD dissertation will focus on mathematical modeling and numerical simulation of inelastic materials and structures, aiming to develop sound theoretical formulations and robust computational frameworks for analyzing materials that exhibit irreversible changes under load. The student will develop and test a suitable constitutive model that extends existing formulations within the theories of plasticity, viscoelasticity or damage mechanics and reflects the complex behavior of materials beyond their elastic limits. Powerful numerical methods, such as the nonlinear version of the finite element method (FEM), will be employed to solve the governing equations at the structural level. Applications of this work include structural analysis in engineering, failure prediction, and optimization of material design or manufacturing processes. They will contribute to improved efficiency, reliability and safety in civil engineering, with possible extensions to mechanical or aerospace engineering.

The student is expected to participate in externally funded research projects related to the main theme and to collaborate with international partners, e.g., with the research teams at TU Eindhoven, Université Paris-Saclay, University of Oxford, University of Glasgow or Northwestern University.