The Computational Mechanics and Physics Laboratory at Vanderbilt University has two PhD positions in the area of computational mathematics and mechanics with applications to glaciology. Vanderbilt University, located in Nashville, Tennessee, is a leading research-intensive university in the United States in engineering, science and technology.
Background:
Dynamic mass loss from the Antarctic ice sheet is significantly controlled by ice shelf buttressing and changes near the grounding line. Some Antarctic ice shelves provide resistance to ice flow into the ocean from upstream grounded glaciers, and the loss of this resistance or buttressing due to fracture, thinning, or enhanced damage to the ice-shelf margins could cause an increased flux of grounded ice flow into the ocean, thereby contributing to sea level rise. A key challenge is to understand how ice shelf weakening and fracture are influenced by complex ice-ocean-atmosphere feedback. This project will focus on simulating and understanding the flow and fracture mechanics associated with ice shelf weakening and fracture using hybrid Lagrangian-Eulerian formulations and finite-element/material-point methods.
Tasks:
Qualifications:
Timeline and contact:
The starting date can be in Fall 2021. Positions are for 4-5 years typically. Contact Prof. Ravindra Duddu ravindra.duddu@vanderbilt.edu with their CV.
The Computational Mechanics and Physics Laboratory at Vanderbilt University is seeking a postdoctoral researcher interested in the area of ice sheet modeling and fracture mechanics of Antarctic ice shelves and glaciers.
Project Description: This project aims to provide fundamental understanding of iceberg calving by advancing the frontiers in nonlinear continuum mechanics and computational fracture mechanics, and translating it to glaciology. The project aims to develop a fracture-physics based scheme to better represent iceberg calving in the community ice sheet model. The effort will also address research questions related to calving behavior of floating ice shelves and glaciers, and the role of hydrofracture and ice cliff failure in ice sheet mass loss in the future. The overarching goal is to enable more reliable prediction of calving fronts in whole-Antarctic ice-sheet simulations in the Community Ice Sheet Model (CISM) over decadal-to-millennial time scales. The project is funded through a 5-year CAREER grant from the National Science Foundation https://my.vanderbilt.edu/cpml/research/nsf-plr-1847173/
Qualifications: Applicants should have a Ph. D. degree in Civil/Mechanical/Computational Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Applied Physics or Mathematics, Earth and Environmental Sciences, or a relevant field. The ideal candidate will have a background in nonlinear continuum mechanics, fracture mechanics and finite element methods. Essential requirements are strong quantitative, verbal and analytical skills, solid knowledge and experience in scientific programming (with Python or C/C++ or Fortran ), expertise with either FEniCS or Elmer Ice software, and the ability to learn and employ new numerical methods and technologies from different disciplines. Previous research experience in the field of computational modeling and a record of publications in reputed international journals is required.
Timeline: The position is available immediately, but starting date is negotiable. Applications are accepted until the positions are filled. Initial appointment will be for 1 year, but funding is available to extend the appointment for another year.
Applicants contact Prof. Ravindra Duddu ravindra.duddu@vanderbilt.eduwith their CV.
Vanderbilt University, located in Nashville, Tennessee, is a leading research-intensive university in the United States in engineering, science and technology. Vanderbilt faculty and researchers are recognized for their pioneering research, scholarship, and leadership in higher education. The office of postdoctoral affairs provides excellent mentorship and opportunities for postdocs to further enhance their skills and prepare for future careers, including academic and industry jobs. https://gradschool.vanderbilt.edu/postdoctoral/about.php
The Computational Physics and Mechanics Laboratory (CPML) at Vanderbilt University is seeking one PhD student interested in the area of computational fracture and damage mechanics.
Project Description: The goal of the project is to provide fundamental understanding of iceberg calving by advancing the frontiers in computational fracture mechanics and nonlinear continuum mechanics and translating it to glaciology. The specific aims are to simulate hydrofracture propagation in glacier ice and develop a fracture-mechanics-based scheme to better represent calving in continental-scale ice sheet models using multiscale methods.
Qualifications: Applicants should have a Master’s and/or Bachelor’s degrees in Civil, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Physics, Applied Mathematics or a relevant field. The ideal candidate will have a background in continuum mechanics, fracture mechanics and finite element methods. Essential requirements are strong quantitative and analytical skills, solid knowledge and experience in scientific programming (with Python or C/C++ or Fortran), excellent grades and the ability to learn and employ new methods and technologies from different disciplines. Previous research experience in the field of computational mechanics and publications in reputed international journals is a plus.
Timeline: The starting date can be in Spring 2020 or Fall 2020. Applications are accepted until the positions are filled. Positions are for 4-5 years. The candidate will be enrolled as PhD student at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Applicants contact Prof. Ravindra Duddu ravindra.duddu@vanderbilt.eduwith their CV.
Vanderbilt University, located in Nashville, Tennessee, is a leading research-intensive university in the United States in engineering, science and technology. Vanderbilt faculty and researchers are recognized for their pioneering research, scholarship, and leadership in higher education.