Offer Description
This PhD project will investigate wave propagation in architected media whose dynamic response can be modified through external stimuli, deformation, flows or intrinsic nonlinearities. The general objective is to understand how reconfigurability and nonlinear effects can be used to control dispersion, localization, transmission, mode conversion, and energy transport in architected media.
The research will address one or more topics including tunable band gaps, topological edge or interface states, reconfigurable waveguides, space–time modulation, non-reciprocal propagation, frequency conversion, and amplitude-dependent localization. Tunability may be obtained through prestress or finite deformation, geometrical instabilities, active or responsive materials, flows or other suitable physical mechanisms. A central aim will be to identify the physical mechanisms governing transitions between different wave-propagation regimes and to determine their robustness with respect to damping, disorder, imperfections, and finite-amplitude excitation. Particular attention may be devoted to the interaction between nonlinear dynamics and topological or localization phenomena, including switching, modal coupling, hysteresis, and dynamically induced changes in the wave spectrum. The work will combine analytical and reduced-order modelling, numerical simulations, and experimental validation. Approaches include dispersion analysis, nonlinear stability and bifurcation methods, finite-element and time-domain simulations, and optimization of metamaterial architectures. Experimental activities may involve the fabrication of polymeric specimens and their characterization using piezoelectric excitation and full-field vibration measurements. The final objective is to establish general design principles for adaptive metamaterials capable of manipulating elastic or acoustic waves and to demonstrate selected concepts in proof-of-principle devices for wave routing, vibration control, sensing, or signal processing.
Where to apply
E-mail: federico.bosia@polito.it
Requirements
Research Field: Physics » Classical mechanics
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field: Engineering » Mechanical engineering
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field: Engineering » Materials engineering
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field: Physics » Acoustics
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
The candidate should have a sound background in physics, mechanical engineering, applied mathematics, materials science, or a related discipline, together with an interest in wave phenomena and the mechanics of structured media.
Useful theoretical competences include classical and continuum mechanics, vibrations, elasticity, wave propagation, and the derivation and analysis of governing equations and dispersion relations. Knowledge of nonlinear dynamics, phononic crystals, metamaterials, or topological wave physics is useful but not essential. Good numerical and programming skills are desirable, e.g. in MATLAB, Python, or C/C++. Experience with finite-element packages such as COMSOL Multiphysics or similar would be useful. Experience with experimental mechanics, additive manufacturing or laser vibrometry would be valuable but is not mandatory. The balance between theoretical, computational, and experimental activities may be adjusted according to the candidate’s expertise and interests.
Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Good
Research Field: Physics » Classical mechanics, Engineering » Mechanical engineering, Engineering » Materials engineering, Physics » Acoustics
Years of Research Experience: 1 - 4
Additional Information
Selection process: CV and possible interview
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: Politecnico di Torino
Country: Italy
State/Province: TO
City: TORINO
Postal Code: 10131
Street: corso duca degli abruzzi 24