PhD Position in Nonlinear Vibrational Metamaterials

Empa's Laboratory for Acoustics/Noise Control is offering a fully funded 4-year PhD position focusing on nonlinear vibrational metamaterials. The project combines mechanical modelling, finite-element simulations, prototype manufacturing, and experimental testing to develop resonators with amplitude-dependent dynamic behaviours. Working within a collaborative Swiss-French initiative involving Empa, ETH Zurich, and LAUM, the successful candidate will conduct research at Empa while pursuing a doctoral degree at ETH Zurich. Candidates are expected to engage in rigorous scientific investigation, collaborate closely with international project partners, and disseminate findings through top-tier journal publications and conferences.

• Develop analytical and numerical models for strongly nonlinear resonators exhibiting nonlinear stiffness, damping, and inertia effects.
• Design, simulate, and optimize novel resonator concepts based on inertia amplification, bilinear stiffness, and multi-degree-of-freedom dynamics.
• Manufacture and experimentally characterize resonator prototypes using vibration testing, laser vibrometry, and modal analysis techniques.
• Investigate nonlinear phenomena such as internal resonances, frequency conversion, bifurcations, and nonlinear energy transfer.
• Create reduced-order models and efficient simulation tools for the design of nonlinear metamaterials and wave-control devices.
• Disseminate research results through publications in leading journals, conference presentations, and active collaboration with project partners.