(Ref. BAP-2014-556)
Occupation : Full-time
Period : Fixed-term contract
Place : Leuven
Apply no later than : January 31, 2015
Within the Science & Technology Group of KU Leuven, the Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering is hiring a junior researcher interested in advanced non-destructive analysis and numerical modelling.
PhD candidate position “Masonry failure characterization based on numerical modeling and Acoustic Emission testing”
The activities of the research group “Materials performance and Non-Destructive Testing” at the Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering are focused on the “long-term” material behavior. Damage processes are monitored by several advanced non-destructive techniques (www.kul-a-ndt.be) and the material’s structural behavior is related to the internal structure or micro structure of the material. The NDT group has made a major contribution to the development and use of the acoustic emission technique and microfocus X-ray computed tomography.
The research is performed in collaboration with the research group “Architectural Engineering” of the Faculty of Architecture, campus Sint-Lucas Brussels and Ghent, and the research group “Building Materials and Building Technology” of the Department of Civil Engineering.
Project
Detecting the initiation and growth of damage and the identification of the dominant damage mechanism within a structural component is of paramount engineering importance as it allows to effectively (re-) design or reinforce the structure to withstand the observed failure mode. The behavior of masonry under compression is particularly complex as its structural response is related to the relative mechanical properties of the bricks/blocks, the mortar and their interface. Up to now, experimental characterization of the fracture modes has been based on deformation monitoring of the masonry’s outer surface. In this project, Acoustic Emission (AE) technique will be applied and combined with advanced full-field deformation detection techniques for fracture mode characterization in masonry. AE is a non-destructive technique that allows the detection, location and characterization of a crack propagating within a material by detecting and analyzing the high frequency elastic waves being produced by the fracture process. The combination of numerical simulation and experimental work at small and large scale as studied in this project provides a damage mode characterization scheme needed for the detailed understanding of the fracture modes in masonry, based on the properties of its constituents. This fundamental knowledge can be applied for the optimization of masonry-components design and for in-situ structural health monitoring of masonry structures.
The successful candidate’s range of duties include the following:
Literature survey and development of a state-of-the-art;
Analytical, numerical and experimental research;
Presentation of research results at international conferences. Publishing of research results;
Punctual contributions to teaching and evaluation of students;
Writing and defending a doctoral dissertation.
Within the research project, there will be a close collaboration with a PhD candidate from the Department of Mechanics of Materials and Constructions, Free University of Brussels.
Profile
You have obtained a master’s degree (with distinction) in one of the following fields: master in engineering: civil engineering, material engineering or architecture.
You can demonstrate an interest in experimental testing and numerical analysis of brittle materials;
You are able to work independently, accurately and focused; you can handle time pressure and criticism.
You have eminent writing skills and an active command of English and/or Dutch. You are not afraid of speaking in public.
Offer
We offer a full-time position as junior researcher (PhD candidate) for 48 months (in case of a positive evaluation after 24 months) in a leading and dynamic research environment.
The main work office will be at the Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, KU Leuven, in Heverlee. The candidate can also have a workstation at the Department of Civil Engineering (Heverlee) or campus Sint-Lucas Brussels.
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Martine Wevers, tel.: +32 16 32 13 03, mail:martine.wevers<στο>mtm.kuleuven.be or Prof. dr. ir.-arch. Els Verstrynge, tel.: +32 16 32 19 87, mail:els.verstrynge<στο>bwk.kuleuven.be.
You can apply for this job no later than January 31, 2015 via the online application tool