Our recent work introduces a microscopically motivated model for the swelling response of polymer networks with non-covalent cross-linking bonds.

As opposed to the classical theories of rubber, we show that the uptake of water in polymer networks comprising hydrogen cross-linking bonds can lead to the dissociation of cross-links. This phenomenon leads to a reduction in the chain-density, an increase in entropy, and a decrease in the free energy.  As a result, the network experiences significant softening and exhibits a different mechanical response.

A new PhD position is available immediately in my group in the area of computational atomistic modeling of grain-boundary segregation and plasticity mechanisms in nanocrystalline alloys. Full description available in the attached file. 

Assistant Professor-Mechanical Engineering

There are several openings for faculty positions in the field of Mechanics and Materials in our Department of Mechanical Engineering of the Eindhoven University of Technology in The Netherlands. The department is seeking for outstanding faculty members at all levels and in particular the fields of Function integration in material systems and Development, optimization and behaviour of new advanced materials. At present, talented people with an experimental profile are strongly encouraged to apply.

Influence of gas pressure on the effective thermal conductivity of ceramic breeder pebble beds

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fusengdes.2017.03.073

Static friction at fractal interfaces

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.triboint.2015.09.016

Contact stiffness of multiscale surfaces by truncation analysis

In this concise piece of work, an effective method is shown to gain new understandings into the role of surface structure in the field of contact mechanics. In particular, normal contact stiffness is correlated to parameters of surfaces' fractal dimension and amplitude. 

Dynamics of Viscous Entrapped Saturated Zones in Partially Wetted Porous Media

Available also here

3D printable geomaterials

https://doi.org/10.1680/jgeot.15.P.034

This work, dating back to 2015 demonstrates the simulation of grain morphologies for subsequent fabrication of surrogate geomaterials 

Full text here 

Abstract