2 May 2024
Job Information
- Organisation/Company
National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment- Department
AQUA- Research Field
Engineering » Computer engineering- Researcher Profile
First Stage Researcher (R1)- Country
France- Application Deadline
4 Jul 2024 - 12:00 (Africa/Abidjan)- Type of Contract
Temporary- Job Status
Full-time- Hours Per Week
37- Offer Starting Date
1 Oct 2024- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?
Not funded by an EU programme- Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?
No
Offer Description
Background of the thesis
Climate change is causing mountainside snowpacks to become wetter and denser. This change in snow characteristics results in a lower stability of snow packs on slopes which lead to higher interaction forces with mitigation structures, as demonstrated by the increasing number of snow rack failures. There is thus a need for improving knowledge on the interaction between creeping snow and structures accounting for these specific snow characteristics.
The ultimate goal of the project to which the proposed thesis relates is to enable the design of more robust structures for stabilizing snow. In this aim, the development of a numerical model for the snow pack has been initiated. In parallel three on-site snow racks have been equipped with sensors to collect data, in particular in view of contributing to the model development.
The proposed thesis aims at investigating the interaction between creeping snow and structures, based on numerical modeling enriched with real-sites measurements and observations.
Objective of the thesis
The main objective of the thesis is to develop a novel, adaptable 3D modelling tool for simulating forces acting on structures. This model will account for the different mechanisms with influence on the interaction between snow and structures.
The scientific novelty in the considered modeling approach comes from the coupling between two types of numerical modelling for capturing the salient characteristics of the creeping snow. First, a continuous modeling approach (e.g. MPM or SPH) will be considered in the far field, where the snow pack is not influenced by the presence of the structure. Second, a Discrete Element Method (DEM) approach will be considered for modelling the snow pack in contact with the structure. This strategy is in particular motivated by the capacity of DEM to account for large strain, load redistribution and compression. In addition, DEM allows accounting for the interaction with any type of structure (continuous or porous, flexible or rigid). A first DEM model of snow is currently being developed.
The main objectives of the proposed position is:
- To develop a new coupled 3D SPH-DEM numerical method, that can capture fundamental mechanical interactions of snow-structure interaction in a computationally-feasible manner;
- To evaluate the model using field data available to IGE-INRAE;
- To undertake a parametric study to attain a mechanically-based understanding of interactions between (i) dry and (ii) wet creeping snow packs with obstacles.
One of the main scientific challenges to be tackled is to develop and evaluate the properties of the DEM model for different types of snow, including the contact law, the size and shape of the aggregates being modelled, and the viscous properties relevant to creep; as well as identifying suitable rheological laws for the continuous model.
In parallel, the candidate will be in charge of analyzing and interpreting the data collected on-site. They will be involved in any discussion related to the instrumentation and will join the visits on the instrumented structures.
General information
The successful applicant will be hosted by the laboratory IGE (INRAE, Grenoble) and will work under the supervision of Dr S. Lambert (IGE), Dr B. Chareyre (UGA-3SR), Dr T. Faug (IGE) and will benefit from collaborations with Dr G. Chambon (IGE).
- Starting date: Autumn 2024
- Duration: 3 years
- Location: INRAE, 2 rue de la papeterie, 38400 Saint Martin d’hères, France
- Doctoral school : IMEP2 (Univ. Grenoble Alps)
Qualifications of the applicant
The candidate should hold a Master's degree and/or an Engineering diploma in the fields of applied mathematics or physics, mechanics, civil engineering, or numerical simulation. They must have a solid foundation in continuum mechanics and should have a strong interest in scientific programming (Python, C++). Experience in DEM modeling, in studies of flow-structure interaction and in coupling different numerical methods will be an undeniable advantage. They should be capable of taking initiatives, working in a collaborative team, and communicating results with project partners both orally and in writing
Application
The application must include: a curriculum vitae, copies of certificates for each university degree and grades obtained, a letter describing your motivation and interest in working on the proposed topic, and any letters of recommendation from your teachers and/or supervisors
Requirements
- Research Field
- Engineering » Mechanical engineering
- Education Level
- Master Degree or equivalent
Internal Application form(s) needed
Doctoral Position_Creeping Snow modeling.pdf
English
(651.64 KB - PDF)
Download
Additional Information
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available
- 1
- Company/Institute
- Institute of Environmental Geosciences
- Country
- France
- Geofield
Where to apply
[email protected]
Contact
- City
Saint martin d'heres- Website
https://www.ige-grenoble.fr/?lang=en- Street
rue de la papeterie- Postal Code
38400
[email protected]
STATUS: EXPIRED