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PhD Student
3 PhD positions on off-axis cracking of composites Full-time NEW
3 PhD positions in the Composite Materials Group at KU Leuven
Title of the positions:
- PhD position 1: 3D finite element modelling of off-axis cracking in laminated composites with complex micro- and mesostructures
- PhD position 2: Deep-learning-based multiscale modelling and optimisation of the micro-mesostructure for off-axis cracking in laminated composites
- PhD position 3: Manufacturing and testing of advanced micro- and mesostructures to arrest off-axis cracks
Host organisation: Composite Materials Group, KU Leuven (Belgium)
Main supervisor: Prof. Yentl Swolfs (see: https:www.tinyurl.com/yswolfs)
Duration: each position is for 4 years and fully funded
Description:
Lightweight fibre-reinforced composites are vital in enabling more efficient wind turbines and making cars lighter. Composite structures require large safety factors, which can make them heavier and more expensive. These large factors are required due to the early damage initiation and propagation of off-axis cracks, as well as the challenges in predicting this damage type. These off-axis cracks are usually the first significant damage that initiates upon loading the composite in tension or bending, and are hence a key reason for the large safety factors. Despite their importance, most models for off-axis cracks are limited to 90° plies and 2D. Such models have provided a basic understanding of the initiation phase at the surface of a composite, but offer only a very limited understanding of the bulk propagation phase.
The ERC Consolidator Grant CRACKAR aims to tackle these challenges by (1) developing a 3D finite element model for off-axis cracking in laminates made of unidirectional plies, (2) extending this to more complex micro- and mesostructures, and (3) using the model to find the optimal micro- and mesostructures to arrest off-axis cracks. The model predictions will be validated at different stages by comparing them with advanced 3D images obtained by a postdoctoral researcher. The optimal microstructures will then actually be manufactured using tailored fibre placement, a new imprinting technique and laser cutting.
PhD position 1 will focus on developing the 3D finite element model for complex micro- and mesostructures. PhD position 2 establishes a bridge between the micro- and mesoscale FE models via deep learning and will develop algorithms to optimise the micro- and mesostructures. PhD position 3 is responsible for the manufacturing of the new micro- and mesostructures. These three PhD researchers and the postdoc who focuses on 3D imaging will collaborate closely.
PhD positions 1 and 2 will be purely modelling research, but they will interact with researchers providing the experimental characterisation of off-axis cracking and the input parameters required for the model. They therefore require a strong background in composite mechanics, materials engineering and/or solid mechanics. For PhD position 2, a background in Computer Science is also possible, and experience with deep learning is a significant plus. PhD position 3 will be mostly experimental research, and requires a background in materials engineering, mechanical engineering or manufacturing. Good hands-on experience with composite manufacturing is considered a significant benefit.
All three positions require a mindset for personal development and an eagerness to work as part of a team.
In addition to the direct scientific goals, each of the three PhD researchers will:
- Gain a fundamental understanding of the failure development of composite materials and how this is affected by the microstructure and ply orientation.
- Write scientific papers for publication in top-level journals in materials science/mechanics;
- Present their research at international conferences and outreach events;
- Work in close collaboration with supervisors while being the driving force for their own PhD.
The work will be performed in the Composite Materials Group of the Department of Materials Engineering at KU Leuven (Belgium). KU Leuven ranks 46th on the 2026 Times Higher Education Ranking. Our group is recognised worldwide as a centre of excellence for composite research. We host about 40 PhD researchers, 8 postdocs, 5 active professors, state-of-the-art experimental facilities and access to a high-performance computing cluster.
Expectations and requirements
A good applicant should be an enthusiastic and self-motivated person with a mindset for personal development. He/she should meet the requirements for PhD enrolment at KU Leuven. This requires you to have minimally achieved the level of distinction and pass the language requirements (see https://www.kuleuven.be/english/application/lang/lang-test). He/she has obtained (or is about to obtain) good grades for a master’s degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Aeronautics, or similar. Eligible applications will be assessed on the applicant’s (1) academic qualifications, (2) background in materials/mechanical modelling/computer science, (3) technical skills, (4) communication skills, and (5) motivation for the project. KU Leuven has an equal opportunities and diversity policy, and we welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds. This position does not have any nationality requirements or limitations.
Application process
Please send your CV and cover letter to [Please click the Apply button for the link or address] via email. Please indicate clearly in your email which of the three positions you are applying for, and explain in your cover letter why you want to work on an ERC project.
We kindly ask you not to include a photograph in your CV or cover letter. We are committed to promoting a fair recruitment process by reducing unconscious bias.
Based on the CV and cover letter, we will invite shortlisted applicants to prepare a task. Based on the quality of this task, we will invite you for an interview. By default, this will be held online via Teams, but applicants who can come in person are welcome. The interview will consist of three parts and last for about 1.5 hours in total:
- You will be asked to prepare a small task beforehand and to present your approach to it.
- You will present a paper relevant to the PhD topic, and assess its strengths and weaknesses.
- We will ask for clarifications about your background and gauge your motivation and skills.
For general information on the PhD process at KU Leuven, please go to https://set.kuleuven.be/phd.
Closing date: open until filled
Starting date of the appointment: The starting date is flexible. The earliest starting date is 1 June 2026, but we are more likely targeting September-October 2026. PhD position 3 ideally starts only June-October 2027, but we are open to hiring exceptional candidates earlier.