Analytical and numerical methods for wave and vibration control in nonlinear metamaterials

Nonlinear metamaterials refer to micro-architectured periodic structures incorporating nonlinear elements. They overcome the inherent limitations of their linear counterparts, allowing for extraordinary wave manipulation characteristics. With the rapid development of additive manufacturing techniques, the promising possibilities offered by nonlinear metamaterials are becoming ready to be engineered. One can think of many applications in aerospace, civil engineering, transportation and defense industries, for instance, where tailored wave propagation and vibration and acoustic control are required.

The combined complexity of metamaterials' multiscale and nonlinear behaviours challenges the prediction and understanding of wave propagation phenomena. Specifically, the multi-scale nature leads to massive models if classical modelling approaches are used, so model order reduction techniques must be applied. On the other hand, the nonlinear behaviour requires the use of advanced resolution strategies, and breaks the underlying hypotheses of classical model order reduction methods. The current methods exhibit limitations regarding the model order reduction, the nonlinearities at stake, the presence of damping and the physical indicators returned.

This project aims to take advantage of recently developed theoretical frameworks to implement analytical and numerical methods dedicated to the simulation of wave propagation and vibration response of nonlinear metamaterials. These original methods will save computational burden, improve results accuracy and provide additional physical information, making them immensely helpful to explore the dynamics of intricate, high potential metamaterials.

See here for the detailed PhD offer: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/vincent-mahe_phd-offer-nonlienar-metamaterials-activity-7438247131607400448-lylT?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAACd9iKcBOSNVdJyqDxhrATJwuXEz2evoLN4

This PhD is in joint supervision between the GeM laboratory (main institution) and the Department of Structural and Geotechnical Engineering at La Sapienza (partner institution).

Founded in 2004, GeM is a Joint Research Unit of Nantes Université, Centrale Nantes, and the CNRS (UMR-6183). It brings together all the expertise in civil engineering, materials mechanics and processes, and modelling and simulation in structural mechanics from the Nantes Saint-Nazaire metropolitan area within a single laboratory.

The Department of Structural and Geotechnical Engineering at Sapienza University of Rome, founded in 1873, is a leading center for structural dynamics, vibration control, and advanced materials, with a strong focus on industrial, civil engineering and biomechanical applications.

The candidate is expected to have a Master's degree or engineering diploma in one or more of the following fields: structural dynamics or mechanics, numerical methods, wave physics, applied mathematics.

The following skills would be an asset: analytical analysis, nonlinear vibrations, physics of periodic media, programming tools (preferably Python).

Given the Franco-Italian supervision, a suitable level of English is expected.