3 PhD positions Rock Mechanics LaboratoryThe Rock Mechanics Laboratory (LMR) of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) has opening of 3 PhD positions with full scholarship from the Swiss National Foundation. The scholarship starts at CHF 50,000 (31,000 Euro) per year in the first year for a period up to 3.5 years.
PhD Position 1: Fracturing of rock materials under dynamic loads - mechanism and analytical solutions
The research is to develop analytical and mathematical solutions for fracturing of solid brittle materials under dynamic loads, including time-dependence effects of fracture mechanism. The candidate should have strong background in mechanics.
PhD Position 2: Fracturing of rock materials under dynamic loads - numerical method and modelling
The research is to apply (may involve partial development) suitable numerical methods to model and study fracture initiation and propagation under dynamic loads. The candidate should be very keen in numerical methods.
PhD Position 3: Transmission of shock wave across multiple discontinuities
The research is to study the transmission and conversion of shock wave across 2 sets of parallel discontinuities, to develop constitutive relations between wave transmission, discontinuity network configurations, discontinuity stiffness, and other parameters. The candidate should have strong background of mechanics, physics and mathematics.
To apply, please email Professor Jian Zhao (jian.zhao@epfl.ch), in English a letter of interest and a current resume. Further information of the Rock Mechanics Laboratory at EPFL is available at http://lmr.epfl.ch/.
Review of applications will begin 1 July 2008 and will continue until the positions are filled.
