Post doctoral position: Numerical analysis of mechanical behavior of lunar simulants

22 May 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

AGH University of Krakow

Department

Department of Robotic and Mechatronics

Research Field

Engineering » Mechanical engineering
Engineering » Aerospace engineering
Computer science » Modelling tools
Engineering » Simulation engineering

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Country

Poland

Application Deadline

30 Jun 2024 - 00:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

40

Offer Starting Date

1 Sep 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Reference Number

SONATA-ISRU-001

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

Yes

Offer Description

Job description

The research is conducted within the framework of a Polish National project that aims to study the effect of gravity in the Lunar soil excavation process. The Lunar surface consists of a layer of regolith, which can vary from a few meters to tens of meters. As such the regolith is the most accessible in-situ material to exploit on the Moon and its collection process is a key factor in future missions aiming at the utilization of the Lunar resources. The regolith is a soil with peculiar mechanical properties and its extraction is to be carried out under conditions different from those on the Earth. In particular, the reduced gravity presents its own set of problems that make the design of excavation tools challenging. In this context, DEM (discrete element method) models represent a viable tool to simulate the regolith excavation process. Nonetheless, this modelling approach, although potentially powerful to predict the mechanical behavior of the regolith in conditions of reduced gravity, require a important validation step, which is challenging for two main reasons: Firstly, DEM models features several parameters that require correct tuning; Secondly, DEM simulations are time-consuming when compared with other mesh-based modelling approaches.

Tasks
The research activity of the candidate will deal with the validation of DEM models by leveraging to a large sets of already available experimental tests of the regolith, such as repose angle tests, shear tests, tri-axial tests, blade cutting tests. Experiments in conditions of micro gravity are also planned within the project by carrying out repeated parabolic flight tests. DEM model validation activity will mainly involve

• The preparation of different DEM models with different model parameters configurations
• Run extended simulation programs using simulation parallelization,
• Preparing a numerical simulation framework that permits to efficiently tune the model parameters and validate the models under different operational conditions. In these phase optimization methods and machine learning techniques can be used to make the process more efficient.

Research environment
The research is conducted in collaboration with the Polish Space Research Center PAS (leader), the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn. The team at the hosting institute will be composed of the candidate and a PhD student. The candidate will participate to regular online meeting with the leading institute and workshop in the partner institutes. An important activity of the research will be the dissemination of results in terms of participation to international conferences and submission of manuscripts for high-ranked journals.

 

Requirements

• The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering.
• Experience in the field of the PhD validated by the participation to research projects.
• Proficiency in one or more programming language and, in particular, Matlab and Python.
• Large experience with various simulation tools, especially with DEM. 
• Strong communication skills in written and verbal English are required (level B2 or higher).
• We do team science with strong team member autonomy. Qualified candidates should be self-motivated and possess the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

 

Required documents when applying

• Cover letter describing research experience, interests and goals.
• CV including the full list of publications.
• Two letters of recommendation, signed, on letterhead, describing: relationship to the applicant, past work/academic performance, work qualities/personal conduct, overall assessment of potential for success in research environment.
• Doctoral degree certification, if applicable, original or notarized copy of diploma or final transcript issued by school (English translation required).

 

Site description:

AGH University of Krakow is located in one of the oldest cities in Poland. Krakow is the former capital city of Poland and famous for being in the past the seat of Polish Kings. It is a gem of national cultural heritage that mixes traditional flavors with modernity. In the last years Krakow has become one of the most popular European destinations. 
Krakow is also well known for hosting many Universities, including one of the oldest universities in Europe and in the world, the Jagiellonian University. AGH is the major technical university, and its campus is a wide area located very close to the city center. It owns many dormitories for students and employees. A large variety of canteens and restaurants with affordable price can be found nearby the campus.

Requirements

Research Field

Engineering » Mechanical engineering

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Good

Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

AGH University of Krakow

Country

Poland

Geofield

Where to apply

E-mail

[email protected]

Contact

City

Krakow

Website

http://www.agh.edu.pl/en

Street

Al. A. Mickiewicza 30

Postal Code

30-059

E-Mail

[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED