PhD Position F / M Doctoral Position on Lattice Dynamics & Phononic Metamaterials

Inria is the French national research institute for digital science and technology. This research center for scientific excellence is on the frontline of digital transformation in Europe and conducts world-class research covering a wide range of high-impact scientific disciplines: international and industrial collaborations, ground-breaking research, software development, artificial intelligence (AI), and technological startups (DeepTech) are the DNA of the institute. Inria ranks 16th worldwide in the AI Research ranking and is the number one European institute for frontier research in digital sciences.

Lightweight structures and functional material architectures are the locus of various vibrational or acoustic phenomena which have to be properly understood, predicted, and harnessed in civil and aerospace engineering. Their multi-scale nature raises computational and modeling challenges which are the subject of extensive research within the scientific community.

The ANR-JCJC Archi-Noise project aims to unveil disruptive concepts of architected (i.e., lattice-based) materials for noise and vibration control. This research project aims to leverage a cutting-edge computational framework developed within the group to design novel metamaterials exhibiting enhanced low-frequency noise and vibration mitigation capabilities. The candidate will delve into wave physics, enriched continuum theories, structural dynamics, and finite element modeling. The project will cover the following topics:

• Computational mechanics and finite element methods,
• Dynamics of waveguides,
• Acoustics and propagation phenomena in complex lattice structures.

The PhD applicant will be hired to conduct high-level scientific research along two work packages (WPs.1-2) of the project, which involve the conceptualization, derivation, and resolution of original theoretical and numerical models describing meso-scale architected meta-structures, in order to understand, explore, design, and evaluate these novel materials.

Requirements for applicants:

• Outstanding problem-solving ability,
• Very good track record, including a relevant higher education degree in physical sciences, mathematics, or engineering,
• Rigorous and self-motivated mindset, ability to learn, organize, and prioritize own work with minimal supervision,
• Professional English proficiency,
• Background in mechanics, vibrations, acoustics, finite element modeling, or good computer literacy (e.g., programming experience in Python, Matlab, or Julia) would be an advantage,
• Share our passion for science and technology.

Advantages:

• Partial reimbursement of public transport costs,
• Possibility of teleworking (90 days per year) and flexible organization of working hours,
• Partial payment of insurance costs.

Monthly gross salary amounting to 2051 euros for the first and second years and 2158 euros for the third year.