PhD position (M/F): Ultrasound radiation stress engineering in a slow sound regime
New
- FTC PhD student / Offer for thesis
- 36 mounth
- BAC+5
This offer is available in English version
This offer is open to people with a document recognizing their status as a disabled worker.
Offer at a glance
The Unit
Institut de mécanique et d'ingénierie
Contract Type
FTC PhD student / Offer for thesis
Working hHours
Full Time
Workplace
33405 TALENCE
Contract Duration
36 mounth
Date of Hire
01/10/2026
Remuneration
2300 € gross monthly
Apply Application Deadline : 10 April 2026 23:59
Job Description
Thesis Subject
Context:
Acoustic radiation pressure enables contactless manipulation of objects, but current techniques are limited to small particles (micrometer to millimeter scale). In optics, the slowing down of light ("slow light") in structured media significantly amplifies radiation pressure, as it is inversely proportional to the group velocity. However, this slowdown also increases attenuation, creating a trade-off between force amplification and energy dissipation.
In acoustics, the concept of "slow sound" (reduced group velocity) can be naturally achieved through the propagation of shear waves in very soft media (hydrogels, complex fluid suspensions) or via acoustic metamaterials (Helmholtz resonators, phononic crystals, structured waveguides). These media offer fine control over dispersion and acoustic energy localization, suggesting a potential amplification of radiation forces. Yet, this avenue remains unexplored, despite its potential to revolutionize the contactless manipulation of heavier or larger particles in air or water, with applications in material sorting or microrobotics.
PhD Project:
This PhD aims to theoretically and experimentally demonstrate that "slow sound" media amplify acoustic radiation forces and to explore their applications for particle manipulation. The work will focus on two target systems:
Natural media: Study the propagation of slow waves in model soft media (hydrogels and suspensions) and their interaction with a target, with a focus on the generated radiation stresses.
Artificial media: Design a structured medium, or acoustic metamaterial, using structural resonances in air to slow wave propagation. The interaction of these waves with a target will again be analyzed in terms of the generated radiation stresses.
The project will combine analytical modeling, numerical simulations (FEM), and experimental campaigns, in collaboration with physico-chemist specialist for the formulation of model soft media.
Your Work Environment
Laboratory and Work Environment:
The research group is part of the Physical Acoustics Department at the Institut de Mécanique et d'Ingénierie (I2M) in Bordeaux.
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
2300 € gross monthly
Annual leave and RTT
44 jours
Remote Working practice and compensation
Pratique et indemnisation du TT
Transport
Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€
About the offer
| Offer reference | UMR5295-MATMAL-001 |
|---|---|
| CN Section(s) / Research Area | Material and structural engineering, solid mechanics, biomechanics, acoustics |
About the CNRS
The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.
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