Research opportunities exist in computational materials science of polycrystalline metals and ceramics, ranging in length scales from atomistic to mesoscale. This interdisciplinary research includes approaches related to ICME (integrated computational materials engineering), whereby research utilizes computational approaches and modeling techniques to understand and exploit relationships between material chemistry, processing methods, microstructure and its evolution, properties over multiple length and time scales, and performance of advanced materials (e.g., nanocrystalline materials, interfacial design, high strength steels, lightweight materials). Much of the research within our group focuses on bridging the gap between materials science, solid mechanics, and computational science with a heavy focus on integrating with experiments. Focus areas include, but are not limited to, (1) quantum mechanical calculations of interfaces and grain boundary structures; (2) interatomic potential development and scale bridging; (3) molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations of microstructure evolution and mechanical properties in nanocrystalline materials; (4) mesoscale modeling, including phase-field modeling of microstructure evolution, dislocation dynamics, and Monte Carlo approaches; (5) material informatics, metamodeling, and design optimization of material systems; (6) thermodynamic modeling for materials and processing design; and (7) quantitative materials characterization and their statistical representation. Our research is performed in collaboration with other computational and experimental teams within ARL and academia. Qualified candidates should have received their doctorates in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or Physics.

 

References

Tschopp MA, Spearot DE, McDowell DL, et al: Influence of Grain Boundary Structure on Dislocation Nucleation in FCC Metals. Dislocations in Solids, A Tribute to F.R.N. Nabarro. Hirth JP, editor. vol. 14, pp. 43-139: 2008

Tschopp MA, et al: Physical Review B 85: 064108, 2012

 

Keywords:

Integrated computational materials engineering; Computational materials science; Multiscale modeling; Atomistic simulations & molecular dynamics; Mesoscale modeling; Density functional theory; Material informatics & data mining; Phase field modeling; Thermodynamic modeling;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents and non-U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants