Missions

Project context
PCs and MMs are periodic (or quasi-periodic) composites made of building blocks, i.e., unit cells, capable of performing spatial and spectral control of waves due to frequency-dependent directionality or band gap (BG) effects (i.e., frequency regions where the propagation of waves is strongly attenuated) induced by nondestructive interferences created by either the scattered wave field from periodic abrupt stiffness / mass changes (Bragg BGs) or resonating inhomogeneities (locally resonant BGs). The concept of BG naturally leads to applications involving vibrations, wave filtering and attenuation (in various frequency regimes ranging from Hz to kHz: reduction of ground motion of seismic waves, acoustic or underwater noise reduction, and reduction of vibrations, to cite a few).

Activités

Main objectives
While there is no universally accepted definition of elastic metamaterials, they are generally associated with man-made or artificially engineered materials that exhibit properties not commonly found in nature. However, recent pioneering studies have shown that many biological systems, characterized by complex structural organizations, often arranged in periodic and/or gradient architectures across multiple length scales, demonstrate extraordinary absorption and reflection capabilities. These unique functionalities are enhanced by mechanisms such as local resonances or Bragg scattering.
The primary goal of this postdoctoral research is to explore the potential of biological systems characterized by a (quasi-)periodic and hierarchical arrangement for wave control, with the aim of inspiring the design of novel metamaterials. Specifically, the research seeks new designs capable of reducing the propagation of elastic waves in solids, air, and underwater environments. A focus on adapting these concepts to underwater acoustics, where the strong fluid-structure interaction often invalidates the assumptions used in airborne acoustics, is the second main objective.
Finally, the research will investigate optimizing wave control performance by introducing new, potentially topologically protected interfaces for wave conversion and guiding. Given the scalable nature of wave equations, the research will also explore applications in other domains.

Compétences

Required qualifications
The ideal candidate is required to hold a PhD in engineering, physics, or similar disciplines with advanced experience in analytical and numerical methods (FEM, BEM, …). A solid background in structural mechanics and wave propagation in periodic structures is also required. A good knowledge of modelling the interaction between solids and (heavy) fluids is also recommended.

Contexte de travail

Required qualifications
The ideal candidate is required to hold a PhD in engineering, physics, or similar disciplines with advanced experience in analytical and numerical methods (FEM, BEM, …). A solid background in structural mechanics and wave propagation in periodic structures is also required. A good knowledge of modelling the interaction between solids and (heavy) fluids is also recommended.

Le poste se situe dans un secteur relevant de la protection du potentiel scientifique et technique (PPST), et nécessite donc, conformément à la réglementation, que votre arrivée soit autorisée par l'autorité compétente du MESR.