Post-Doctoral opening in Multi-physics simulation of hydrogen diffusion in polymers/composites

The Division of Physical Science and Engineering at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia, invites applications for Postdoctoral fellow in Mechanical Engineering at the Mechanics of Composites for Energy and Mobility Lab . (MCEM).

Field of study

A Post-doctoral opening is available in the area of engineered thermoplastic composite tanks.

Hydrogen storage is an essential step of the entire hydrogen chain. Owing to their light weight, high specific strength, good fatigue response, and dimensional stability, the use of fiber-reinforced plastic pressure vessels for hydrogen storage has definitely been on the rise. Despite these advantages, the current tanks have several issues regarding the liner, such as cavitation and blistering, and others related to the tank walls, such as hydrogen leaks through cracks. These challenges renders the fast progress in the hydrogen market.

The project aims to contribute to this global effort by solving essential challenges faced by the current storage and transportation technologies, to which we believe adequately engineered and designed thermoplastic carbon fiber technology can be beneficial.

The project will be organized around 3 main activities:

·       Understanding/simulating the diffusion paths and cavitation in thermoplastic liners.

·       Multi-physics simulation of the diffusion process in thermoplastic orthotropic composites

·       Understanding the rabid gas decompression damage modes and their influence on the integrity of the liners.

Other duties

The Post-doctoral fellow will be actively engaged in student mentoring (directed research, Masters thesis students). He/She will also be in charge of developing further the facilities of the laboratory. The candidate will also be in charge of delivering regular reports related to the associated grant.

Appointment

One year renewable up to three years by mutual agreement. The candidate is expected to join the team as soon as a successful interview has been completed.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, the successful candidate will enjoy a generous benefits package, including medical insurance, on-campus housing facilities, K-12 schools, and outstanding recreational facilities.

About KAUST and the MCEM laboratory

The Mechanics of Composites for Energy and Mobility Laboratory (Composites Lab) is located at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology and is part of the Physical Science and Engineering Division. The Composites Lab started at KAUST in 2009 and is an integrated environment for composite science, combining modeling and experimental expertise in a single working environment.

OUR MISSION: Support Energy transition by providing innovative composite solutions or optimizing the usage of existing solutions in demanding Energy and Mobility applications.

Our laboratory expertise incorporates three main areas:

Design of materials in representative environments of energy applications: In-situ testing facilities and characterization techniques (Generation of unique databases on well-identified frames), validated models in operational conditions (New models based on real in-situ observations and mechanism).

Microstructure manipulation for tailoring macroscopic response: Toughing mechanism using surface on in-volume spatial variations.

Structural health monitoring (SHM) and smart structures for composite infrastructures: Wireless surface gauges and integrated sensors, SHM/NDT/Inline/Online.

 A project at the Composites Lab is characterized by the amalgamation of experimental and computational/modeling mechanics and encompasses people with very different backgrounds to ensure we capture all aspects of these complex problems.  In the Composites Lab, you will find skills ranging from theoretical mechanics, applied mathematics, and computer science to material science and chemical engineering. Our researchers are connected by their common passion for the fascinating potential of composite materials.

The Composites Lab develops and authenticates techniques to achieve better designs of composite material-based structures. Much of this research is done in close cooperation with major industrial partners.  This ensures a high level of applied research based on advanced theoretical concepts.

Dr. Gilles Lubineau
Principal Investigator of Mechanics of Composites for Energy and Mobility

Professor of Mechanical Engineering