PhD position: "A Depth-Averaged Material Point Method for the initiation and dynamics of Alpine Mass Movements"

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Chair of Alpine Mass Movements is part of the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering (D-BAUG) at ETH Zurich and the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF in Davos (Graubunden) which is part of the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL and thus of the ETH Domain. In our group, we develop numerical models and experimental facilities to better understand the initiation and dynamics of alpine mass movements such as snow avalanches, debris flows and rockfalls. Our research contributes to improve risk assessment and management procedures related to gravitational mass movements in alpine regions and mitigate their impacts.

Project background

Mountain slope instabilities can result in hazardous gravitational mass movements, such as rock, ice, snow avalanches and debris flows. Such instabilities can be triggered by precipitation, earthquakes, glacial debuttressing, permafrost thawing, and human activity. When these events occur in areas with human settlements or infrastructure, they can have catastrophic impact. They are responsible every year for more than 100 casualties and billions of euros of damages in Europe.

For effective hazard management, a quantitative assessment of the intensity and potential impact of gravitational mass movements for a given return period is essential. This information is typically conveyed using spatially distributed values of flow height and depth-averaged velocity, which are commonly computed using numerical models. Most existing computational approaches in engineering rely on depth-averaged models based on Saint-Venant's equations in Eulerian frameworks. However, these approaches do not fully consider the complex, history-dependent mechanics of geomaterials, which can exhibit both solid and fluid-like behavior depending on loading conditions. Concerning release conditions, although numerous authors have formulated statistical-mechanical approaches to calculate release depths, current operational methods for assessing the area of release zones continue to exhibit a degree of oversimplification.

Job description

To address these limitations while maintaining the efficiency of classical approaches, this thesis will focus on developing a Depth-Averaged Material Point Method (DAMPM) for the initiation and dynamics Alpine Mass Movements. This approach builds upon the recent work of Guillet et al . (2023, Journal of Geophysical Research). In the initial phase, a hydro-mechanical DAMPM will be developed within an elasto-viscoplastic context (in C++). This method will be applied to evaluate the release volume of shallow landslides as well as the dynamics of subsequent geophysical mass flow, incorporating a granular rheology model and a suitable entrainment law. The DAMPM results will be compared to 3D Material Point Method (MPM) simulations and experimental data obtained from a newly developed meso-scale granular flume. In the subsequent phase, the implementation of a GPU CUDA version will be explored to enhance the model's efficiency. This optimization aims to facilitate large-scale hazard evaluations and enable precise uncertainty quantification using the developed model.

The outcomes of this research will be disseminated through publication in scientific journals, presentations at international conferences, and contributions to teaching at ETH Zurich. Specifically, you will contribute to the courses "Granular Mechanics" and "Mechanics of Alpine Mass Movements."

Your profile

• You hold a MSc degree in Computational Mechanics / Applied Mathematics / Geomechanics / or a related field
• Experience with numerical modeling and programming (C++ and python) is compulsory
• Experience with parallel programming is not mandatory but beneficial
• Ideally, you bring skills in constitutive modeling and soil mechanics with you. We encourage applications from enthusiastic and dedicated individuals who have very good oral and written communication skills in English. German or French knowledge is beneficial
• You are motivated to work in an interdisciplinary and international working environment

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ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits.

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Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• Application letter
• CV / Resume
• Certificate / Reference
• Diploma
• Additional documents

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Further information about D-BAUG can be found on our website . Information about the SLF can be found on the Website . 

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Dr. Johan Gaume, email [email protected] (no applications). ETH Zürich and WSL strive to increase the proportion of women in their employment, which is why qualified women are particularly called upon to apply for this position.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.