Missions

The objective is to numerically model the breakup of a microcapsule subjected to hydrodynamic stresses. The microcapsule will be modeled as a liquid droplet enclosed in a thin membrane with hyperelastic properties. The challenges of such simulations come from the multiple phenomena governing the problem: the inner and outer fluid flows, membrane deformation and initiation of damage, crack formation and propagation. The goal will be to enrich our existing in-house numerical code, considering the induced membrane porosity, working on the code acceleration and introducing new algorithms (e.g. for crack tracking). It will also be to study practical cases to understand the capsule breakup mechanisms depending on the flow dynamics.

Activités

- Implement speed-up strategies (parallelization, GPU computation, …)
- Optimize the numerical code to guarantee its robustness
- Enrich the numerical code considering membrane porosity
- Simulate capsules subjected to different flow fields to understand the capsule breakup mechanisms depending on their dynamics.
- Conduct parametric studies
- Co-supervise the work of interns

Compétences

- We are looking for highly motivated, dynamic and rigorous candidates, who will be fully involved in the project and eager to work on a research topic at the interface between scientific disciplines.
- Technical skills: Strong experience in scientific computing in solid and/or fluid mechanics. Proficiency in programming languages. Knowledge of the mechanics of damage/rupture. Notions of biomechanics and bioengineering will be a plus.
- Other skills: Project management, proficiency in English, very good writing skills, ability to adapt and anticipate, team spirit

Contexte de travail

- The recruitment is within the context of the MultiphysMicroCaps ERC Consolidator Grant, that explores the use of deformable liquid-core capsules of micrometric size to efficiently transport active material, with a primary focus on health-related applications. The project is focused on the design of innovative sophisticated numerical models and high-tech experiments, needed to determine the potential of such vectors to protect active substances and control their delivery, and to optimize their properties for specific industrial and biomedical applications.
- The postdoctoral fellow will be part of the “Biological Fluid-Structure Interactions” research team (about 20 people) of BMBI Laboratory (Biomechanics & Bioengineering). It is specialized in the study of hemodynamics, from the microcirculation to large vessels scales, focusing on therapeutic applications. It combines advanced numerical and experimental approaches, which enables to translate theoretical results into practical applications, such as the mechanical characterization of microcapsules.
- The postdoctoral fellow will be supervised by Anne-Virginie Salsac (CNRS Director of Research, BMBI Laboratory - web site: http://www.utc.fr/~salsacan/) and by Delphine Brancherie (Professor, Roberval Laboratory, UTC)

Contraintes et risques

None

Informations complémentaires

Applications must be submitted online to be taken into account (transmission by email is still welcome on the side). They must include a cover letter, a complete CV, PhD thesis / defense reports, and at least one letter of recommendation and / or contact details of colleagues for references.